And the first tempo run of this training cycle is done and done.
I was nervous about this run (doubt loves to creep into my brain) but last night I decided to stop worrying and think—> who cares? Who cares if we don’t hit our workouts perfectly? Who cares if we have to stop for a bit to catch our breath? What is the worst that could happen… You stop and try it again tomorrow?
I met the girls and did the mile warm-up with them and then set out for 6.2 miles of tempoing. The first 1.5 miles of the tempo were a slight uphill the entire time with a headwind and so I was more than happy to turn the other way at that point.
Tempo splits—> 6:51, 6:54, 6:48, 6:51, 6:52, 6:55 .2 @ 6:55 pace. 1 mile warm-up and 1 mile cool-down.
It felt a little more difficult than a tempo probably should but I’ve got 16 weeks to make this pace (well, a few seconds faster) feel a lot better. PS You can read about why we do tempo runs here!
Brooke was still asleep when I finished so I took my time to stretch out. It made me happy to see a bunch of cross-country kids head out for their run. PS one of my nephews just signed up for cross-country. I’m a proud aunt and I will probably have to fly out to his first meet.
We have some really good news over here. I found Brooke’s pink blanket (it has been MIA for 2 weeks) and she hasn’t let it out of her sight at home.
A little ways into my tempo run my right calf wasn’t feeling super happy but I went in to Dr. Bennett and he worked his magic. My right heel gets jammed up pretty regularly which causes my arch and my calf to let me know it is time to go in:) Something I love that he said—> Achieving higher heights will not come free. You put in the work and your body will improve. Accept the small struggles your body will have as you move through these improvement stressors. Allow your body to accept and get used to the new levels of performance. Greatness does not come free. Everyone gets bloody when breaking through personal walls.
Brooke noticed that I have been wearing my Garmin for more than just running and so she wanted to wear her snap bracelet to match. PS my garmin is frozen right now and it is bugging me.
Got to see my sister but her baby was asleep while I was there so we Facetimed instead.
BANGS FRIEND (my bff from when I lived in California) is in town so we got to catch up for a bit. It just feels right to be together.
PS James/IRONCOWBOY is on day 12 of his 50 Ironman distance triathlons in 50 days in all 50 states. Holy cow.
He is in Texas today!
———————————————————————–
Do you get nervous before long runs or hard workouts? What do you do to stop stressing?
Who lives in Texas? What part?
Are you a watch person? Do you wear one when you aren’t running?
Who did cross-country in jr. high, high school or college?
59 comments
Meghan@ GetOffYourButtAndRun
I often get nervous before long runs. I try to think positively and tell myself I am going to finish this run and I will do well. The right attitude really helps.
I always wear my watch! My job is very time based so I always have to know what time it is.
I never ran cross country but fell in love with running after playing soccer and lacrosse.
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I did cross country in high school (not an option in jr high here). My freshman year the only other girl on the team was my sister and my sophomore thru senior year I was the only girl on the team. It was actually alot of fun and I had alot of great guy friends who were like brothers!
I usually always wear a watch. If there isn’t something on my wrist I feel like I’m missing something!
I just figure that what will be will be. I can do my best and not much more than that! If I know I’ve tried my hardest, that is all I can ask for! I try not to worry so much about stuff that I can’t handle. Sometimes that works better than others! ;)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I get nervous a lot before a race or hard workout. I always remind myself that I come out of it every time just fine. Just push ahead and enjoy the ride! I feel better when I remember how far I’ve come and how many times I’ve been able to achieve my goals. Plus we all have bad days. Just accept them & move forward.
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I ran the exact same workout as you today—except about 50 seconds per mile slower on my tempo! Goal pace workouts make me nervous so I spend the whole car ride to the running trail giving myself a mental pep talk and then just clear my mind during the warmup miles.
I never ran cross-country, although friends of mine on the team in college kept trying to get me to join. I just never considered myself fast enough!
Natalie
I did cross country in high school and college. So much fun and I met the most incredible friends (that are still my best friends today)!!
I wear my Garmin even when I am not running.
I get nervous when I have speed work to do for a marathon cycle: tempo or track. I tell myself to take a deep breath and get the first repeat (or mile if its tempo) done. I ALWAYS feel much better once I get into the workout. I think it is the anticipation!!
Natalie
I used to get really nervous before had workouts, but I’ve realized that my life is not all about running. There will be good days and bad days, but as long as I’m doing my best, that’s all I can ask of myself. Love your attitude!
I live in Dallas! The Iron Cowboy actually had to go inside of a LifeTime Fitness today because of all of the stormy weather and flooding issues here.
I wear my Garmin like Brooke wears her precious pink bracelet. My tan line is pretty bad…
I ran cross country in middle school and high school but didn’t care much about the running part. I just loved the team and being part of the program. My coach was a huge influence in my life. It wasn’t until after college in my early 20s that I became more competitive with running.
Lauren
Did Bangs friend have her baby?? What is the baby’s name?
The Hungry Runner Girl
She did!!! She is happier than ever:)
Flower
I get nervous before long runs but I just do my best to be as prepared as possible and tell myself that I’ll get it done and typically, I do. :)
Maggie [Eat Pray Lift]
Love that – “Everybody gets bloody breaking through personal walls.”
Also, Bangs Friend!! Where is Bangs Baby???
Suzy
“Everybody gets bloody when breaking through personal walls.” I LOVE THIS. Brilliant brilliant brilliant.
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I always panic for my long runs over 15. I don’t know why. 15 seems attainable but 16-20 freaks me out every time.
I was on track for one semester in high school. I was terrible. They put me in relays so the other girls could make up for my slow leg. Lol. I guess I didn’t know it then but I am a distance runner. Not a sprinter. Lol.
Katie @ Operation Happier
I love your decision to say “who cares”? Yes, running is fun, and yes, it’s great to challenge ourselves, but it really shouldn’t be totally ruining our lives :)
I’m from Dallas! But I now live in San Francisco. The summer weather is just a tad different (ha, 59 degree high here yesterday vs. months of 95+ in Texas).
Aw, it would be so fun to go watch his cross country meets! I never did it; I always did volleyball in the fall. (Speaking of which… why are they working out in June? Isn’t it summer break?)
Katie @ Operation Happier
Also, Janae — as an 8-month pregnant lady :) I’d love to hear how Bangs Friend is doing with motherhood! I think the last time we saw her she was just about to have her baby!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Katie!!! Oh I am so glad you get to enjoy the summer weather in California! Bangs is doing awesome… she loves being a mom! Good luck Katie! You are getting so close:)
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
Tempo runs scare me more than any other workout. You rocked yours!
I just got an iwatch and I’ve been wearing it all the time.
I didn’t start running until my 30’s.
Amber C
Wow, Jennifer! I follow you on instagram, had no idea you started running in your 30’s. You’re super fast and so that’s encouraging to me. I am 33 now and started running 3 years ago. Each year I’ve gotten a little smarter, faster and more experienced, but my pace is around a 9 min mile. Good to know that there’s still hope for me to get speedy;)
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
Yes!!!! My first marathon took me over 5 hours! I am definitely not a “natural” runner…lol!
Amber C
That’s encouraging:) I’ve been tossing around the idea of running a marathon next spring. That would be a new distance for me so of course it’s intimidating. I’ve signed up for the Country Music 1/2 (I’m 30 mins outside Nashville) but may bump it up depending on how I feel after my fall races. I would really like to have that distance under my belt. Have a great day!
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
I run CMM every year. It’s a great race but the hills and heat are always tough!
Megan R.
Congrats on your tempo!!! That’s the one run that I’m terrible about completing in my training cycle. I realized now it was because my goal pace time was usually unrealistic for my fitness level. Thanks Run Less Run Faster!
-I get nervous before long runs- but really only when I’m deep into marathon training. I just remind myself that I’m doing this for fun and NOT running it will feel even worst!
-I’ve never been a watch person, I only wear my Garmin when I run
-I live in the ATX (Austin, TX)! It’s hot and humid here til October, I feel for him today!
-I ran cross country my jr & sr year of high school to improve my soccer performance. My first meet was a 2 mile out and back, on the beach, in August, in the sun, in Corpus Christi, TX. It’s a miracle that I kept running after that! :)
Jenny
I did cross country and track in high school, I was always getting injured though so I never did really great. Glad I figured out my body and when to take it easy!
James (Iron Cowboy) is amazing! Are you going to run with him when he comes here? I think I’m going to at least do the 5k.
Michelle Adams
Tempo runs make me a little nervous too, but I’m trying not to skip them this time around…
I just got 1 of the new Garmin Vivoactives and have been wearing it nonstop! Love it!
Erica
I read some things on disappointment. When things don’t go as I’d hoped, wished, planned, prepared for I can go to a dark place for longer than my happy self prefers. The worry was really saying “please let this go well so I don’t have to feel sad about the outcome.”
Being aware of that helped.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I love that Erica! Thank you for sharing with me!!!
Amanda
I live in Houston :D I am actually really thankful that you posted about him because I am considering doing the Mainly Marathons next year (New England series – 7 halfs in 7 days in 7 states) so this guy makes that look like a cake walk :)
MK
Amen, sista friend! Who cares if we don’t ace a run? It’s not going to make our family and friends think less of us! It doesn’t make us bad people! I get nervous before long and/or hard runs a lot, but nerves = good, dread = bad. And go you! Look at what you did when you pushed the worry from your mind!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
Im definitely not a watch person. They feel so weird on me!
I love Brooke’s nightgown. I used to have one that was supposed to make me look like Jasmine from Aladdin and it was the best thing bc it had puffy pants.
Elle
I get nervous before group workouts, especially if I don’t know what the plan is for the day.
I ran cross country in high school.
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
You’re doctor gives such great advice! Much better than mine who told me I may not be meant to be a distance runner. SO NOT TRUE and I refuse to believe it!
I completely agree with your outlook on your workout today. I get stressed out when training a lot but running should be a gift, not a chore so I try to reframe how I look at it. I’m assuming your new outlook has something to do with the book you’re reading! :)
Sharon
I live just south of San Antonio, Texas. It is terribly humid here, and it takes its toll when running. I love following you and Brook. You are such an inspiration!!
kendall
I have been doing 5ks but just did a 10k and it went great so I am venturing out to a 1/2 marathon in August. Long runs for me (anything over 4) have been boring…..scenery is everything when I am am gearing up for a tough run. Before my 10k I nearly had a panic attack and got back on the bus to go to my car, but a friend texted me right then to tell be I would Rock it. It made a huge difference, love the friend support.
Btw I messaged my sister about your blog, because she trains for cross country up the canyon, and this is her team, she is in there :) her team is super excited to be on your blog :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH so so cool!! Tell her that they were rocking it today!!! So glad your friend texted right when you needed it!
Tara
I live in TX! I’m in San Antonio. I love it here :)
I’m dying for a running buddy so if anyone lives in SA and loves to run shoot me an email! :) [email protected]
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola
I’m a watch person. I have a stainless steel watch that I wear occasionally but this is my daily watch: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/fossil-womens-stella-tortoise-resin-bracelet-watch-37mm-es2795?ID=506097
I like that it can be dressed up or down.
Amanda Olson @runningyourbody
I do stress before really long runs! All kinds of rational and irrational things can go through my head. I tell myself that same thing- worst case scenes somebody has to pick me up and I try again later!
I wear a watch on runs and at work in the clinic to keep me on schedule- outside of that I keep it off because I’m usually dying with my 18 month old and don’t want to scratch him!
Jessica @ VEGGIE RUNNING MOMMA
I ran cross-country and track in Jr High and HIghschool. Could have in college, but I was burnt out by that time. (definitely regret that) but oh well.!
I never stress about running, I love running too much.!
Allegra
Good job on the tempo! I love what you said about who cares – it’s another way to be a little bit gentle with yourself while still pursuing goals. Not everything can be perfect all the time, but you can sure as heck try!
Allegra / hintsofjoy.co
Annette
I definitely don’t get nervous before long runs/training runs but I think it is because I run to stay in shape and because I love the endorphins and how accomplished I feel when I am done. So, really my only goal is to get to x miles and that’s it :) I do get very nervous before marathons which is weird, lol. My mom always tells me to relax, I already know I am not going to win, ha!
ALWAYS wear a watch – unless I am at a fancy event, like a wedding :)
Tedi @ Running With Infertility
I get nervous anytime I have to wake up earlier than 6 to go for a workout. Nervous in the fact that I can’t sleep the night before.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
What a great quote! And I love watches! I feel like they really enhance an outfit!
Elena
I get nervous before races but not too much before hard workouts. When I’m in a training cycle I embrace the Nike saying and “just do it.” Sometimes I don’t hit my desired pace but I try my hardest and I’m usually satisfied with that. That being said, I’m old now and it took me a long time to not constantly stress and mentally beat myself up.
Both my sister-in-laws live in Texas and I like running when I visit them. It’s really flat compared to Georgia!
I’m obsessed with wearing my Garmin when running outdoors but I rarely wear a watch if I’m not training.
caitlin
Yes, I definitely stress – just a little. It used to be much worse, but I try to get myself ready by doing just that – getting ready. Getting my clothes together, planning..all of that. It makes me feel more prepared for what I’m asking my body to do!
I live in Fort Worth! I love it. It’s a little muggy right now, but if you’re ever around – I know a great spin studio :)
No, I used to be a big watch person..but I stopped wearing jewelry (including watches) about a year ago, and I only wear one to run. And even then, I sometimes don’t. I just don’t like things hanging on me!
Kay
Ah I have the garmin 210 and it freezes about once a week! You need to just look up how to fix it (mine: hold down ‘light’ and ‘start/stop’ buttons simultaneously for 25 seconds) and it will turn off, then you can turn it back on. Once I figured out how to do it, its annoying but I can fix it in about a minute!
Charlie
I start my 16 week training plan for Chicago on Monday and I am so scared- the paces are so much faster than my last training cycle!
Really want to visit Texas!
Melissa
– I get very nervous before a long run, I think it’s because I’m just getting into longer runs with my training and they are the longest I’ve ever done so I don’t really know how I’ll do. So lots of thoughts go swirling about in my head.
-I wear a garmin when I run and a watch/vivofit the rest of the time.
-I didn’t start running until I was 30.
*Great job on your tempo running!!
Hannah @ Will Run For Coffee
I used to wear my Garmin the whole time, but I got a new watch for Christmas so now I wear that when I’m not running.
I love your new Garmin….if I had that, I would be tempted to wear it always!!
Kelly
How does he un-jam your heel? My arches and calves have been extremely tight lately and I don’t like it one bit. :(
Nicole@thegirlwhoraneverywhere
I think it helps to have partners for these kinds of runs–It helps you to push yourself more when you are trying to keep up with somebody else’s paces. Well, this helps me anyway!!!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood
Love his words! Yay for having out of town friends visit!
Jane @ 50statecanuck
I get nervous before hard team workouts…because there’s that (healthy) competition among teammates! But I always end up being able to push myself further and better with them so in the end, the nervousness and is totally worth it!!
kristin | W [H] A T C H
congrats on hitting your tempo run! i totally get nervous and anxious and let self-doubt creep in, but you are exactly right — who cares?
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles
I do get nervous! I can’t help it. I even will sometimes get nervous with shorter runs. I don’t know why, but I do feel like it helps to keep me grounded.
I am a big watch person! But, I only like sport watches (like my Suunto and Garmins), but they always look professional at work so I tend to not wear them during the day.
Jenna
Hey!
If you hold down the button which turns on the watch back-light of your Garmin it will reset it. Mine freezes a lot when I take it off the charger. Be careful bc if you don’t unfreeze it right away it drains the battery!
Stacey
You’re so right about putting stress on ourselves. I don’t get paid to run, and no one is going to die if I miss a training run… or several. I think taking the pressure off ourselves can frequently lead to improvement.
I never ran CC or track in high school, but I kinda wish I had. I ran, just not with my school (local 5s and 10ks). I think it would’ve made me a better runner, though, had I started with a coach and serious competition from an early age.
Kay
I hope your Garmin is working again soon!
Bard
Hi!
Love your Garmin (minus the frozen part ;) ) Which model is it?
Christine
Hi! Where did you get the polka dot leggings? :) in
Olivia Crew
i get nervous before tempo runs but i tell myself that if i *need* to, I can turn the pace down to easy. I haven’t actually needed to cut a tempo short, but sometimes it seems like my brain/body needs a little sweettalking before it’s ready to get out of bed. Once I’m on the treadmill or road, it’s GO time! :)