TC 1 Mile - Why do I do this to myself?!

At least I looked fast, right!
Most people think 1 mile race no big deal, not me, I have no idea why I do this to myself. I have only run this race one other time with similar results and of course coming off another injury. In 2008 the only difference was weather and I was not racing on a team. I could pretty much copy that report here, minus a few seconds off my finish time, but complete with breathing issues. I think I spent much of last night coughing and wheezing. Over the past 5 years this is only my third asthma issue and the last one was also at the 1 mile, maybe a sign I need to stick with long distance running!

A 1 mile race in 25+ mph headwinds the entire time makes for a tough run! No sub 6 like I hoped, not close either (6:53) but I can't complain since there has been no speedwork in the past 2 months. I think I need to remember this when I want to register next year, I'll take a marathon any day over a 1 mile race. The best news from last night, the leg felt fine, such a relief both physically and mentally.

Now it brings me back to my big decision of changing from the full to the half marathon next weekend. Yesterday I was all set to do the half then after a talk with Matt and the pain free run I am reconsidering the full. The argument is: will it be better to run an easy marathon or attempt to race a half (which I know I will do)? Both physically and mentally it is probably best to take it easy on the full, but will I do this? Time to start thinking. I plan to take it easy with low running the rest of the 10 days and see what this brings, meaning another spin class today!

A friend posted an article about Pain and endurance athletes on Facebook yesterday which I found very timely and interesting. It kind of explains why I (and many others) continue to train through injury at times when we should probably rest. What do you think beneficial or negative? I think pain tolerance is helpful through those tough training runs and races, but sometimes this ability to push through can hurt us further when it is truly our body telling us to back off.


Comments

  1. Laura BollMay 18, 2012 at 9:01 AM

    I have never done a one mile race, but like you, definitely prefer the longer distances! Good luck with your half vs full decision...that's tough! If you think you'd have a hard time running an easy full and not pushing yourself, you should probably stick to the half... I can relate to your thoughts on pain. I'm gonna have to read that article!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 18, 2012 at 8:31 PM

      It is so tough when you are build for distance and not speed, but fun for the push :)

      Delete
  2. Kyria @ Travel SpotMay 18, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    Oh my gosh, how interesting that you would rather run a marathon than a one mile! I have never run a one mile, but I ran a 5k a little while ago and while it was nice because it went by a lot faster, it was really, really HARD.

    Good luck with your decision on the full or half! I know it's hard to figure out what is best for you physically, when mentally you want to go for the longer distance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 18, 2012 at 8:32 PM

      I think we push so much harder in the shorter distance that it is tough in a different way.

      Delete
  3. Danise JuradoMay 18, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    Stopping by from Fitness Friday blog hop... I did one marathon. I trained so hard for it and I finished (not in the time I trained for) but I finished! Now, I enjoy interval training, kick boxing and cross fit. It is always best to listen to your body when choosing the distance of your race. I hope you have a blessed race either way :)

    I blog about faith and fitness at Http://danisejurado.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 19, 2012 at 8:27 PM

      I want to try cross fit, I have heard such good things about it. My body is giving mixed messages, thanks for the encouragement.

      Delete
  4. BlushnCheeksMay 19, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    Being an Asthmatic I know how hard it is to run a fast mile..Im a severe asthmatic too, but I push myself soo HARD through every workout and run. I do highly believe in rest days and not always pushing through the pain. Because if you rest your body when its in pain it will perform that much better on your working days. Don't wrack your brain too hard for a decision in which way to run. You will pick the right one and have fun with it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 19, 2012 at 8:28 PM

      I am lucky to have outgrown the majority of my asthma, but it still likes to creep in a remind me it is there at times :( Thanks, I need to just do what is right and I know either way it will be fun!

      Delete
  5. Angela and DavidMay 19, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    Glad the calf held up and bummed I didn't get to meet you. You look much cuter in that jersey than me. I look like a fluroscent pumpkin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 19, 2012 at 8:28 PM

      Got to love the orange! Makes us great targets for everyone, huh?!

      Delete

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