Running performance?

Poseidon · 12-01-2007, 02:28 PM

In short, why is it that one ruuning day can be so much more difficult than the other?

Last week I did my usual run which incorporates alot of inclines/hills which I did no problem, started the same run again 3 days later and it felt twice as hard??, I was ready for giving up after 10mins!- didn't though, but I just got no enjoyment from it like I usually do which really pissed me of.

I run twice a week at moment, each session is 40mins- upping it a minute every week.

I know there are variables involved with all aspects of training i.e. sleep, rest, nutrition etc but that wasn't the problem here as I usually have all that covered.

Anyway, there's a difference between runs which slightly vary in difficulty depending on how you feel that day, and being f**ked after 10mins of a run I usually do with some to spare??

Was just wondering how people get on with their running.

One key thing which I think plays a significant factor in my running is A.M running. Running in the morning just does not seem to agree with me, my body seems to need most of the day before it's truly ready for a run. It's very annoying since I prefer to run A.M due to time constraints on other things, work etc and also considering it's winter here now and running here in the country during early dark evenings sucks, having to run with some stupid torch, increased chance of injury aswell.

Thoughts appreciated folks.

Halfbreed83 · 12-01-2007, 10:47 PM

I hate running too

Could it be that your morning run sucks because of lack of carbs? Maybe you should get a good pasta or rice in your diet before you go to sleep the evening before you run to preload on carbs. Or, since you hate running in the mornings, just run after you train in your MMA?

Maybe you can just run 20-30 mins and then do interval sprints for the last 10 mins to change it up?

I'm a newb but i usually run for three miles and then i do 30sec sprints with 30sec breaks for about 6-10 mins (depending on how beat i am).

Good luck with your training!

KPB · 12-01-2007, 11:50 PM

I run a lot. I'm going to guess it is mostly about nutrition. I hate to eat in the morning, but if I run without eating I feel terrible. I have a pre-workout shooter (protein shake) all ready to go and gulp it down first thing.

Could also just be your biorhythm. When I was younger, I was an evening/night person. As I've gotten older, I prefer to go to bed early and wake up before dawn (we all become our fathers).

Many days, I run both in the morning, and late in the evening after I've put my kids to bed. I use a headlamp - something light like the Black Diamond Gizmo model - isn't annoying at all.

KPB · 12-01-2007, 11:52 PM

BTW, carb loading is usually only required for endurance events lasting longer than 2 hours - not for a daily training regiment.

BayAreaGuy · 12-02-2007, 03:57 AM

I'm also a runner and it happens occationally.

I think it's your body needing rest. If I feel burnt out I don't do it. But if I feel kinda sleepy or whatever, I run then I eventually get in the mood and go for 3 miles.

There's a difference between the two.

I don't think it has anything to do with diet since I always eat the same things.

Quote:

One key thing which I think plays a significant factor in my running is A.M running. Running in the morning just does not seem to agree with me, my body seems to need most of the day before it's truly ready for a run.

Lots of people love morning runs. Not me, I can only do it in the evening after I've had a quick nap, then once I get up I'm fully energized as opposed to being still sleepy in the morning.

So I guess it depends on the person, some people are morning people others aren't. Do what works for you.

Poseidon · 12-02-2007, 06:00 AM

Thanks alot guys, that helped alot.

I think it's time I just accept that I struggle to put in a performance in the mornings. I've never been a morning person so probably is a biorhythm thing. It sometimes become inconvienant though due to work commitments etc, where a morning run would be the easy answer but after the last one, I'm not even going there.

I think when you run later on, it's like your body has had the chance to peak and you've been eating throughout the day also so have plenty of energy and are more motivated.

IronMaidenfan#1 · 12-02-2007, 09:10 AM

It's a variety of things I suppose. I think it's mainly down to nutrition and rest. It's not just running though. I normally lift weights on a Mon/Wed/Fri schedule, mainly at about 6pm after work but last Friday I did an early session at 7.15am. My form and performance was terrible, I felt so awful, never again.

Wild Dan Hibiki · 12-02-2007, 09:28 AM

caffeine makes me feel like an ironman, perceived benefits or not i take it whenever i do a run.

heritagemma · 12-02-2007, 11:41 AM

i sometimes just have a bad day and have to work through it. on the hard days, it feels great that i fought through that run.

Poseidon · 12-02-2007, 03:57 PM

It's good to hear everyones takes on this, as running can be a lonely business sometimes lol

I guess it's the old analogy of knowing your body..............I've adjusted my weights routine to 4 days rest between each w/o and incorporate 2 runs weekly amidst that, along with some bagwork also and the occasional BJJ.

Wild Dan- I also take a large mouthful of strong coffee pre run.

Heritagemma- Totally agree, as I was ready to call it a day after 10mins during my last run, but I just refused and made it to the end. I hated every minute of it but once it was finnished gave myself a pat on the back.

Out of curiosity, what's the average weight of you guy's who run, I know I'm hardly a natural runner at around 200lbs, would this have an adverse affect, cause I do feel heavy on my feet sometimes.