Molasses

July 25, 2011 by luau

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Yesterday morning I went out for what the training schedule called a “dress rehearsal” run – 7 miles with 2 miles at Marathon Pace. As crappy and as sporadic as this training cycle has been, I’m not sure why I’ve continued to stick to some of the training program, but there it us.

The temperature was already into the upper 70’s and the humidity was pushing 80% – not a good combination, but I figured it was “only” 7 miles – just get it done, I told myself.

The whole time I felt like I was running through molasses. Even when I ran my 2 marathon paced miles (15 seconds per mile too fast at 7:10 per mile), I felt sluggish. What’s scaring me just a little is the fact that 24 hours later, the sluggish feeling hasn’t left me. My legs aren’t sore, and they aren’t tight, but I just feel like I’m dragging, like no matter what I’m doing, I’m walking, pushing my way through molasses. My legs just feel heavy. What’s up with that?

Is this a new version of the phantom pains I’ve felt before every marathon? That’s what I’m hoping anyway, because come Friday, I don’t know if I’ll have the strength to carry these two lead weights around a lake 8 times for 26.2 miles.

Any of you experience something similar?

Why do you run?

Posted in training | Tagged heavy legs, marathon training, molasses, running | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on July 25, 2011 at 8:45 am | Reply Mary McManus

Dearest Luau – where are you feeling stuck in your life? You talk about feeling like you are running through molasses. I am going out on a limb here because I love you and I believe what is happening with your running is a metaphor for an internal struggle. May I lovingly suggest that you get still and really tune in to your body and have a conversation with it. Whenever my energy is stuck in a particular place I journal and have a dialogue with it — a real dialogue and write it all down. To quote Matthew Sanford in “Waking” – Our body is the best home our mind will ever have. Keep listening and keep the faith. Your body is asking for your attention so it’s time to figure out what message is your body telling you and whatever it is you will discover a treasure trove of wisdom and release. Use your breath – do deep breathing to go within and thank you for sharing your journey. Love you Mary
- on July 25, 2011 at 8:49 am | Reply luau
  
  Thank you Mary. I will find a moment in the next day to sit, be still and listen.
on July 25, 2011 at 8:45 am | Reply reallynotarunnr

It’s just a different version of TaPeR MaDnEsS! It’s all in your head. You’re going to be great!
- on July 25, 2011 at 8:49 am | Reply luau
  
  Thanks brother! Remove head, run great.
  - on July 25, 2011 at 9:12 pm | Reply reallynotarunnr
    
    Works for me! LOL!
on July 25, 2011 at 9:30 am | Reply Lydia

I am not nearly as experienced as most runners, but I do feel this way sometimes too, and it seems as if there isn’t a valid reason. I too wonder if it is somewhat mental. Maybe you need a little more sleep….I don’t know. I have always figured my sluggishness from time to time was because I am a crazy mom. LOL You’re amazing. You’ll do great.
- on July 25, 2011 at 10:15 am | Reply luau
  
  Thanks Lydia! Maybe I’m just a crazy dad! 😉
on July 25, 2011 at 8:00 pm | Reply Magda Riche-Lindstrom

Sorry you are feeling this way Luau….i’ve felt this way before, and a little escape from real life (time out with my friends, or time away from home just a couple of hours) usually help. If u can, maybe it’s time to get out with the boys for a good time or just u and the wifey! Feel better soon Luau! You are going nail the next marathon! No doubt!