Yesterday’s workout was supposed to be 10 x .5 mile repeats fast. I did my warm-up and got to work on the .5 mile repeats. The first 4 were all done right at 2:49 and with each one my shins/calves hurt more and more and more.
This is the tricky thing about running. We are supposed to push ourselves. The fast paces are most definitely not going to feel great and we need to learn to keep going even when we are tired/sore/struggling in order to make breakthroughs and to get faster and stronger. BUT THEN there are times when you aren’t sure if you are coming up on an injury or not. You wonder if you are going into injury territory and if it is worth it to push through when it could mean not making it to the starting line of your race.
After the fourth repeat yesterday I called it quits with the speed. For some reason my calves/shins hurt pretty bad whenever I go into the 5:xx speeds. They do pretty well in the 6:xx and don’t hurt at all in the 7:xx. I don’t know if it is because my form changes when I am in a sprint or if the super fast stuff is just too much stress on my body right now because I am going on 6 months of marathons training… Who knows? Maybe I would have been just fine if I finished the workout but I made the decision that I am going to do whatever it takes to get to the starting line of my next race and so I have to be smart and listen to any red flags that my body sends to me. I had a great workout on Tuesday and I have a 20 miler on Saturday with a fast finish and I want to crush that without calves that hate me from pushing them too hard in speed.
Years ago I used to push through EVERYTHING no matter how bad it hurt and that is how I ended up with some pretty serious injuries. I have learned my lesson and I’d rather be safe than sorry and out of the game for months because of injury.
You win some. You lose some. It’s life and you just can’t get upset about it because there is a lot more important things in life:)
After my run we went to do some errands Including getting our oil changed. Thank goodness they had popcorn, hot chocolate and movies because we were there for quite a long time. We had sweet potatoes, chicken and broccoli at home for lunch!
Brooke’s favorite day of the week… her best friend spends the day with us!
Last night involved three excellent things:
1. Street tacos and soup.
2. Indoor rock climbing.. my arms will be sore for a month now.
3. My dear old friend Yogurtland. It has sure been a long time since I have had one of these beauties.
I’ve always been that person that wants to save her race bibs and display them or something cool but then I accidentally wash them every single time after the race so yeah…
I shared with you guys some of my Fall clothing favorites and I’ve had some requests for my winter staples so here ya go:
***Please note that I wait for a sale to buy any of the Jcrew/gap/old navy pieces because they ALWAYS have sales going on (30-40% even usually) which makes the JCrew clothes especially a little bit more affordable. Also, I do like to splurge a bit on some really nice pieces that I know will last me for a very long time and that will stay in style forever:)
Sweaters:
-Love me a JCrew sweater because they are timeless and last forever. Just got this one in royal blue.
-I love the Old Navy classic crew-neck sweaters too and they are $15 and so are their v-neck sweaters!
-A great thick/warm sweater… I have snow cap!
-I have this maroon sweater from gap and I love the color and fit (it has a boatneck collar).
Coats/Jackets:
-My current favorite is this white one from Lululemon. I was with my mom and she somehow convinced me to get it and I am so glad I did because it is CRAZY warm (it gets cold here and the goose down works wonders), will last forever and it isn’t a huge bulky jacket yet it does the job of one. It is made for running but I am using it for everything else. HERE
-I got this jacket not that long ago (in brown but they offer grey online) and it is great for semi-cold weather. I love the fun back on it and that it is longer. Another jacket from this same store that I love for the not so cold days.
-I had some Jcrew gift cards from my birthday + they had a 30% off sale so I went for THIS PEACOAT in black because it is a classic coat and it is also crazy warm.
Boots:
-My favorite fall and winter booties that I wear the most.. and you can get a very similar version HERE for cheaper!
-I bought these ones before I started teaching (ummm 6 years ago) and I STILL wear them all winter long.
-My favorite pair of wedge boots (I have them in black) for the days that I want to be extra tall.
-The only heels I will wear any season because they are comfortable as far as heels go.
Long sleeve goodness:
–Madewell is my goto for any type of t-shirt material and I just got their long sleeve colorblock tee in maroon and it is beyond comfortable. They are HERE!
-An oversized V neck that it perfect for days you just want to be comfortable.
-I wear my red plaid shirt a ton!
-Simple pocket tee long sleeve that is soft ($13.99) and I have it in white.
-Fun striped top with a suede pocket that I wear often.
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I share a little bit about balance and gratitude over on Lindsey’s blog if you want to check it out!
SEVEN days left to get your new favorite DONUT TANK!!!
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Do you save your race bibs? Do you display them? Display your medals?
How do you know when to push through the pain and when to quit because you might be risking an injury?
What are you most looking forward to this weekend?
What are you craving right now?
-French toast.
77 comments
Maddie @ Dixie Runs
Good job listening to your body instead of pushing through that work out!! I have the same struggle all the time. I looooooooove that white jacket… Might have to splurge and get it or add it to my Christmas list!
Melissa @girlchasingpavement
I save my race bibs with every intention of doing something creative with them and yet they are still piled up on my dresser…..one day! ha Right now I am craving a good bagel and cream cheese. All the carbs, all the time! Have a great weekend!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I think it takes a lot of experience to know when to push and when to stop! It’s seems tricky in the moment but trusting our gut really helps, and remembering the mistakes.
Katie @ katiesfitscript
Brooke and her best friend are seriously the cutest!! I also can totally relate to doing everything that I’m supposed to do according to the plan!!! Working on that still ;) haha!!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I do save my race jobs but I’ve never don’t anything with them. They are just stacked in random drawers.
I think it is just about knowing your body and knowing what is pain that is normal with getting stronger and what will likely make you end up injured. I’m looking forward to the Thunder Road marathon tomorrow!
Craving right now – hot chocolate!
Natalie
If it feels like bone or something serious, I won’t push through a workout. I did that too many times in the past and got injured. Thankfully lately I’ve only struggled with tired legs and mental stuff, which are things I can push through.
I love Yogurtland! I’m definitely looking forward to froyo, football and napping this weekend!! I’m craving froyo now…
Kristina Running
I save all of my race bibs. I have a race bib board in my office at work so that everyone who comes in knows I’m a super cool runner :)
I think it was smart to cut your speedwork a little short. There is soreness and tiredness and out-of-breathness but then there is pain. Any pain is a reason to stop and re-evaluate your training for the day!
Hot chocolate? I’m still drinking smoothies! Hottest November on record over here!
Loribeth
I save my race bibs and write my times on them. I have them in a scrapbook. The medals are on display near my treadmill…………I wanted a rack to hang them on and was considering one made specifically for running medals that was $35……..then I found a regular wall hanging coat rack with birds on it (I take care of birds at work) for $8 at Hobby Lobby and got it instead! I love it!
I have been fortunate to not be injured, but I tend to stop if something is hurting………don’t want to risk anything!
I have a marathon tomorrow! Only my 2nd one ever……………so excited!
And I will be eating french toast after the race…………that post race meal was decided weeks ago!! Right now I want apple juice……………
Shalyn
such a smart idea! I love the idea of writing your time on the bib and putting in a scrapbook. I generally have them in my top drawer and then purge and throw them out. Now I will take your idea (thanks!!) and do this..
meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles
I have totally washed my shirts with the race bib still attached! So funny. I could use a new winter coat for every day use. Good thing it hasn’t been too cold yet, I still have some time to find one!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
I got a race bib and medal hanger (to go on my wall) for Christmas a few years ago so that’s how I store mine! I’ve been wanting to go indoor rock climbing lately. I used to love it when I was younger. It’s a great workout too.
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
Oh I feel you! During my last marathon training cycle with the heat and humidity I unfortunately had to really back off or even cut some workouts short when I knew my body just couldn’t handle it. It looks like you have a great mind set!
Gretchen | Gretchruns
I have a medal hanger, but all the pegs are doubled up and a few are tripled up now, so I think it’s time for a new one! I also save all my bibs in a filing cabinet for now. Once I get a house I’ll figure out what I want to do with them! I just got certified in rock climbing and now I’m obsessed! I think I’m going to get a membership to our local wall so I can climb all the time :)
Margaret @ youngandrungry
Rock climbing is my third favorite hobby to running and blogging although I prefer outdoor! It uses some pretty strange muscles and I’m sore after no matter how often I go.
I hand my medals and bibs for motivation and record my times and places on them so I can remember.
Speed work always brings out inklings of injury and I use them as a good indicator if I’m pushing too hard. Like you, I no longer have a problem of scaling back now so I can push hard later.
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I keep all my race medals. I stop pushing when the effort just does not feel right or if I can’t hold the pace. Better undertrained than injured!
Annie R
I save my race bibs sometimes, mostly just my marathon ones! I do have a medal display but I’ve been too lazy to hang it up so right now my medals are in a basket.
I’m still learning on when to push through and when to take it slow.
Most looking forward to SLEEPING IN this weekend.
I just ate breakfast so I’m not super hungry..but I am craving a massage… If that counts.
Jessica
I used to save my race bibs and display them but now if they make it home, they end up in an oversized shoe box. I only keep the ones that have real sentimental value for me.
Arthi
I have been looking for little black booties for a while now!! Thank you for sharing!
I save all my race bibs/medals and am thinking about setting up a cool wall display like one of these: http://www.runnersworld.com/fun/best-bib-displays/ashley-ann-anglin. I won’t be starting my new job till January so will have plenty of time for art projects :)
Have a great weekend and I hope your shins feel better!!
Court
I got these race bib coasters for one of my first races that I was really proud of, and I LOVE them!! Great quality and something useful! https://www.etsy.com/listing/67050607/custom-race-bib-coasters?ref=shop_home_active_13
Georgia Mae
Now you have me craving French Toast!!!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I’m craving pizza. But then again I crave it daily.
I have all my medals and a few bibs displayed on my wall but all the remaining bibs are in my closest in a folder. I’m a pack rat. :)
Chelsea
I totally save every single race bib. I’m a running nerd and like to stare at them when I’m lacking motivation! :) Also, I hang my medals up with each bib in my “home gym”. It’s my happy place! ha!
I am totally looking forward to a sunny cool weekend with some hot chocolate, fuzzy socks and some sleeping in time.
LOVE LOVE LOVE those boots options!! I’ll totally have to order a few! :)
Have a great weekend!!
Hollie
I’m all about the down jackets myself. They keep warm, you can run in them and they aren’t big and bulky. I have wanted to get one from lulu but I don’t care for any of the colors they have out right now.
Julie
Winter is awesome if you are dressed warm!! I do run through pain sometimes but am getting much better at listening to my body and mind. I used to feel that I HAD to run in order to feel good that day but realize if I take a few days off its ok!!
Nicole@TheGirlWhoRanEverywhere
Love all of these staples!!
What about your winter stuff? I’m dying to hear how you liked that new winter running coat from Brooks!
Brynn
Ever since I was pregnant I’ve become great at listening to my body. And I love all madewell tees!!
Katie
I do save my race bibs! I put the most memorable or significant ones on my wall in my bedroom – same with my medals. Most of my medals are on my closet doorknob though :)
I think I almost always know when to quit or know when my body is becoming vulnerable to injury. It’s hard to tell and can be a tough call. Took some trial and error to really figure it out.
Looking forward to having my best friend in town this weekend!
Megan
180 tacos AND yogurtland. You’re healed!!!
Sam
I save all my race bibs because I love looking at them later when I’m not running for inspo. I need a new winter coat that is rainproof and cute, that lulu one is cute and looks like it would be super warm.
Looking forward to a weekend of catching up on sleep and working on some house projects, it’s supposed to rain all weekend long.
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles
Right now I am craving some cooler temps! I know you were asking about food, but I’m too hot to eat. ;)
I save all of my bibs and medals. I have a great local custom frame shop that I plan on taking my Disney bib/medal and Route 66 bib/medal (fingers crossed) to after I get back from Tulsa. I want a nice framed piece I can hang up at home.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Good for you for knowing when to pull yourself back! It’s takes a long time to learn that!
Jane @janerunswild
Happy Friday! Love all of these clothes, thank you for linking them!
I never keep bibs- they are gross by the time I cross the finish line! I think my spibelt that I always wear increases the bib damage. Looking forward to seeing friends, ordering my favorite Pizza, and vegging. Good luck in your 20 miler!! I have 15 and can’t imagine running 5 more than that right now. You’ll kill it!
becky
Where did you get your booties with the zipper that runs along the top? I love them!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HEY! are these the ones you are talking about:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lucky-brand-bartalino-stud-embossed-leather-bootie-women/3727901?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLACK&resultback=1730
Angie @ Pace With Grace
Glad you scaled back during your run! That’s smart!
Love your winter picks, especially those Steve Madden boots! I have the suede pocket top and love it!
I’m actually not craving anything right now. Weird.
I save my race bibs and medals. The bibs are just in a keepsake box and my medals are hung up.
Have a great Friday!
Kimberly
I am craving pumpkin French toast!
Linda @ The Fitty
I’m at a stage where I think I’m coming up with a calf-tendon injury snd so I’m canceling my long run this weekend. :(
Kimberly
This is a totally off the wall question, but where did you find Brooke’s bicycle? My grandson and Brooke are only 1 day apart in age and I thought it would be a great idea to get him one for Christmas. Of course, not in pink!
Thanks Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HEY KIMBERLY!!! Such a great idea to get your grandson a bike. SUPER cool that they are only 1 day apart! Here is one very similar:
http://www.wayfair.com/Vilano-Childrens-No-Pedal-Push-Balance-Bike-575-PUSH-L6188-K~VLNO1002.html?refid=GX54801406740-VLNO1002_10661283&device=c&ptid=80546585340&PiID%5B%5D=10661283&gclid=Cj0KEQiAsZayBRCrioKRkYetvc0BEiQAI70-A8gHVNeipez9kWqxSNGhFkDw_pkQYyVRG2oGo8d-5wMaAowl8P8HAQ
Kimberly
Thanks Janae! They are the cutest! I can’t remember, did you get training wheels for Brooke?
Kimberly
Never mind Janae! I should have read the description more thoroughly!
Thank you!
Kaytlin
I’m not one for saving race bibs or metals, but I am kinda attached to race tee shirts.
Still working on telling the difference between being a sissy wa wa and being smart but my general rule is to do another 60 or so seconds of hard effort. If I still want to stop after that mental push through, it usually means something serious is brewing. If not, I just needed a mental “push” and that 60 seconds showed me that I could make it.
I am seriously looking forward to getting some school work done and for some family/friend time.
Craving sweet cereal lately- honey clusters, maple brown sugar flavored things- is it wrong to be pumped to be having this for dessert in about 10 hours? I say no. No it is not ;)
Jamie
Totally save my race bibs – also thinking I will do something cool with them… when in reality they’re all shoved in a box in my closet :) Looking forward to the nice weather this weekend and seeing friends and family!! Craving = twizzlers :) can’t stop won’t stop.
Jill @ RunEatSnap
Do you ever wear compression sleeves/socks? They are amazing and might help with your shin/calf pain.
This post reminds me that I need to go shopping! I hate shopping for clothes (other than running clothes) but I am in desperate need of some new pieces. I also love your white coat but down material gives me a headache and I’m not sure why.
Kristin
I do have my race bibs hung up, it is a fun reminder of everything I’ve accomplished!
Suzy
I love that white jacket! The only problem with white is that my makeup gets on the collar and that is just NOT HOT.
Margaret @ Simple Fit Foodie
Deciding when to push through the pain or not is seriously so hard! I am so so bad at it. I usually push it until I cant anymore aka there’s some kind of injury. I am horrible at rest days. I need to get better at this i know i know…. but its so hard when you LOVE running! It keeps me sane, is my stress reliever, and my mood booster.
I save all my race bibs and medals! I put the bibs on a wall in my bedroom and the medals are all hanging by the bibs. I need to find a better/more classy way of displaying them but I just love seeing them all!
Nina
My sister-in-law bought me a bib display and a medal display for Christmas last year. It was a pretty thoughtful gift!
We’re having dinner with friends on Saturday. I’m looking forward to spending time with them and my husband. His chemo starts Monday and I want him to have a very good weekend.
I’m craving muffins. No idea why, I’ll probably make a single serve one later. (Chocolate Covered Katie has a bunch of single serve dessert recipes. They come in handy)!
Stephanie
Thoughts and prayers for you and your husband. Hope y’all have a great weekend and that chemo goes well next week.
Nina
thank you! We appreciate it.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Nina, I can’t even imagine what you and your husband are going through. Prayers with your family!
Nina
Thank you. He is calmer than I am. But docs have been trying for 2 years to figure out what is wrong with him so he feels like there is a positive end soon.
Katie
My motto is if it hurts or doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. That’s when I stop. I think listening to your body is soooo important in ANY physical activity, and good for you for implementing that too! :) Also, that lululemon jacket is SO cute!
xo
Jackie
I hope you get to read this. Whenever my shins start hurting it means I need shoes with more support. As soon as I switch shoes my shins are pain-free. Just a suggestion.
The Hungry Runner Girl
THANK YOU JACKIE!! I will definitely have to try this out… more support here I come!!!
Grant
I’m still working on figuring out when it’s okay to push through the pain and when to call it quits. Lately I’ve been dealing with a fair bit of soreness and muscle pain, but it’s been moving around, only sticking around for a few days in each spot where it shows up, and the pain has been dulling rather than increasing as I run, so I take those all as signs that I’m still in the safe zone.
Looking forward to tomorrow morning! Saturday mornings are the best part of my week because they mean a long run and a big breakfast afterward!
Mary
i save my bibs! i have them turned into bags :) mile22bags.com, they’re the best! and thanks for the clothing links… damnit. i cant shop right now!!! arrrgghhh (though i DID order a donut tank heheh)
Robyn @ Robyn's Livin' Life
I don’t save my race bibs because they usually are gross when I am done…but I do hang my medals!
I am looking forward to the RICHMOND MARATHON tomorrow! Weather looks great and I am feeling good:)
Brooke @ sweats & sweets
You and Brooke look so beautiful in that picture! I just had to tell you, you are a strong woman. It takes a lot of courage to leave a situation and run full force into the world on your own, I’m not speaking on personal experience, but I have friends who are single mothers and they inspire me so much. You do too. The strength you have in running, and with life in general, you are definitely an inspiration.
Tedi @ running with infertility
I don’t save all my bibs, but I do keep the majority of them. I have a cute medal and bib holder: http://runningwithinfertility.blogspot.com/2015/08/things-that-are-diy-running-board.html?
I’ve been craving these potato logs from the gas station. Not sure why I get cravings like this, but it’s been going on for a while now and surprisingly I haven’t caved. ?
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
So jealous you went indoor rock climbing! I’ve been thinking about doing that again and really wanted to go soon. Fun!!
Stephanie
I save my medals (if my two girls don’t steal them out from under my nose!) but for now they just hang on a belt rack on the back of my closet door. Bibs, mostly saved, are stashed in my dresser… one day I’ll get crafty, maybe.
Looking forward to a 10-mile race tomorrow with great weather forecast. After-race food is world-famous crispy thin-cut fried catfish, cole slaw, and french bread. Yum.com. Also, open house day at my work, so the kiddos get to come on-site and see cool space stuff and meet an astronaut.
Craving… nothing right now. Probably b/c I just ate a leftover home-made burger and I’m chasing it with dark chocolate M&Ms. :)
Karen @ Not Just Celery
Super cute lulu jacket; I love the purple color they have on the website!
Megan D
Ha! The article right before yours on the lactation blog (Layla Overman) is my cousin :) Small world.
I am sorry about your calves, but you definitely did the smart thing by backing off. Look how far you have come over the years. I think about your saying all the time when I exercise because I definitely am one to only look at the right here and now in situation and want to finish the workout, but it is not worth it. So thanks for helping me too.
I hope your run tomorrow goes well and feels good. I think you should reward yourself with that french toast after, obviously.
Gretch
As a HS cross country runner, I always lost the bibs before I could hang them up, plus the individual races aren’t as important to me. The one I managed to save was my last race before I got injured. Now that I’m better… here comes winter running club and track! I hope to get some 5Ks in sometime, too…
Thank for your blog!
Shalyn
Bibs – I throw them out after planning to do something great with them…and don’t. Medals, I am planning to make a shadow box with them (see the word planning..hmm)
Good on backing off. I feel more than any sport running allows you or rather forces you to really listen to your body. Calves are what knocked me out of running for 2 years and had I listened to them crying…I would have only been off for 6 months. :(
Love the clothes links..I love to look around online!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me
Why does Brooke have better fashion sense than I do?I’m getting outshine by a toddler! She’s the darn cutest thing.
Half Marathon James
Yes, better to be safe than sorry.. You will know better than anyone when you are pushing it too hard, so some days you just have to call it quits. Beats being injured again. Street tacos and soup looks lovely :)
Chelsa
Well done for not pushing through the workout. I know from experience that sometimes it’s harder to stop a workout than to just push through. You’re stronger for not having just completed the whole thing! My hat is off to you
Sarah
I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind posting gift ideas for the runners in our lives? Maybe at different price points? I can’t remember if you have done this in previous years but I could totally use the help this year :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Great idea! I totally will! THANKS SARAH!!!
Hannah
Janae, Thank you for your honesty about finding balance and gratitude. It is such a pure, real answer and is everything. Knowing that you don’t have to be super woman every single day, or even ever, is so important for women to know. And on that note, to know that you did the best of the tasks you did do that day – that’s a super woman! Anyway – thank you for being such a great, strong woman.
Brynne
Wow I followed one of your links to the Roolee website and they have so much cute stuff. I have been looking for a dress to wear to an upcoming wedding and I found the PERFECT dress that I am so excited to try!!
Ariana
I save my race bibs with the intention of doing something with them, then they just lay around until i eventually throw them away.
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
i love yogurtland!!! the root beer float flavor is my favorite but its not always available. we dont have one close to us anymore but used to go to the one by where we lived in Vegas. yum yum, my favorite!!! that jacket is so cute, but dont you worry about it getting dirty?
Andrea
Hi Janae!
I love your nail polish color!! Where did you get it and the shade name? I am hoping you got it at Target!!
Thanks!!
Kay
Thanks for posting all of the links to the clothes/shoes- lots of cute items!