I didn’t feel like doing a long run on Saturday.
I stood in my kitchen and seriously considered going back to bed or lounging in front of the TV. The “feels like” temp was 23 degrees. I’m quasi-training. It doesn’t matter if I skip a long run. Especially since I ran 15-milers the past 2 weekends.
But then regret sets in. You know the feeling. That nagging you-should-have-run feeling that will eat at you all day long. Knowing that I would never regret getting my ass out the door, I got dressed and decided on 10 miles (impromptu drop back week).
I started out slowly.
M1 – 9:12
M2 – 8:52
M3 – 10:21 (I felt dizzy for whatever reason and walked for a bit)
M4 – 9:04
M5 – 9:00
I was doing an out-and-back on a trail. After I turned around an older man (50s?) started running beside me and asked me what I was training for.
I knew this guy. We used to work together (not together 1:1 but together on a much larger team setting). He was higher up the totem pole than me so I knew he didn’t recognize me. The funny thing is I see him on this trail almost every weekend. To discourage you from thinking I’m a total stalker I have to add that there are a few distinct places to run here in Philly. Run in any particular spot long enough and you will definitely recognize people.
We start running together. I explain my quasi-training. He tells me about his upcoming marathon. We start picking up the pace. This is so not what I had in mind for my 10-miler (remember…I wanted to stay in bed). I wanted an easy run. But there was no way in hell I was backing off or even glancing at my Garmin (a sure sign of weakness). I just went with the flow.
After a mile or 2 of conversation, I finally introduce myself and explain that we used to work together way back when. This leads to work talk which quickly (very quickly) goes back to running talk.
The final 5 miles.
M6 – 8:35
M7 – 8:03
M8 – 8:01
M9 – 8:17
M10 – 8:35
It felt good to pick it up a bit and force myself to go faster.
And to think I wanted to skip this run?!
Does regret work for you? What motivates you to run in the winter?
Way to go! I had the same feeling on Saturday. All I wanted to do was lay around the house and watch TV. It’s awesome that you overcame that common feeling and had a badass run!
That’s a great not wanting to run run! Sometimes it really is fun when you meet a total stranger and they help you finish a better run than you would have completed on your own. Way to go!
Running LIbrarian recently posted..random stuff
Haha nice were you able to explain that you knew him without seeming creepy? I have the same problem where I just hate the thought of getting out the door but know I will be so pissed at myself all day if I don’t do it. Trying to avoid that regret is sometimes my only motivator! Having the training plan on the fridge helps too.
Alyssa recently posted..SUPERBOWL!!
Great second half! Having a set training plan and set goal for the Spring is getting me through cold running. Though, with temps in the mid to lower 20s all week we’ll see how motivated I stay!
Runner Dad recently posted..Life is Change
You didn’t mention your speed demon prowess on Saturday’s run! Sounds much more exciting than my treadmill date with Glee
Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel recently posted..Soft-Steppin’
What a great story! Yes! Knowing I’ll regret not running is a HUGE motivator to get my butt up in the morning or get me out the door….sometimes it’s the only thing responsible for me having my run
Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen recently posted..My new toy
That’s awesome! I totally use regret as a motivator, too. Someone once said to me, years ago, “you never regret going for a run.” And it is so, SO true. I never consider it time wasted.
Katie recently posted..Five days out and a confidence-crushing run
that’s so awesome! I love running with people to get an extra push sometimes. I always know I’ll feel better after a run, and usually don’t give myself time to think otherwise before heading out in the morning, which I think is a good trick. Also, in the winter it’s never as cold/bad as you think!
Kelly recently posted..smoothies made simple
Wow, way to get some serious negative splits!
Kara recently posted..Late to the Party
Regret totally works for me! And so does running with faster people. Great run, Kristy!
I LOVE running in the winter! I like getting all bundled up and then sometimes pretending I’m Rocky in Rocky IV in my head. Try it – it works, I swear.
Also – thought of your quote from one of your race recaps “sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you” this weekend. Let’s just say it was a serious mauling, but I chuckled when I thought of it :-{
Trotting Tortoise recently posted..Naples Half Marathon Recap
Wow! What a great almost-not-run!
I keep forgetting you’re in Philly…I should pester you with questions about that marathon.
Mandy recently posted..Training Update: A New Me!
Yes, I’d say regret plays some role. I know usually that if the circumstances were different I’d get out there and run. One weird thing that works for me is that I remind myself that people go skiing and pay lots of money to be out in the cold! I will be ok, just layer up, and get out there before I change my mind.
But, yes, a few times this week I have wanted to not go outside to run! If temps continue next week, might sub one run for a spin to mix it up and stay warm!
Meggie recently posted..Top 5 Things I’ve Learned From the RC