stringency of running training

Schwiggity

I'm wondering if it would be incredibly detrimental or not if I were to simply "wing it" a few of the days of training as far as what exercise to do, but make sure I keep my mileage steadily increasing, and keep a long run in there. I'm finding that I'm missing other exercises by training running so exclusively, plus I feel so anxious about making sure I do the workouts, and feel bad if I can't get all the miles run (i.e. today I was supposed to do 4, but it was extremely hot, and my legs couldn't run any further than ~2.6).

arc918

I've said it before and I'll say it again: training plans are a guidelines not gospel. They are simply numbers on a page that don't know if it is 115 degrees or ft you feel bad (or great for that matter).

Feel free to tweak as needed. You shouldn't stress about your workouts. Try leaving your watch at home and take it easy and have some fun.

Schwiggity

I've said it before and I'll say it again: training plans are a guidelines not gospel. They are simply numbers on a page that don't know if it is 115 degrees or ft you feel bad (or great for that matter).

Feel free to tweak as needed. You shouldn't stress about your workouts. Try leaving your watch at home and take it easy and have some fun.

It's hard to do that since I use my phone and a GPS app to track my distance/pace, and it's hard to not look at it. Plus I always overestimate how far I've gone. I think I may just start putting "short run, medium run, long run" and let myself decide what that means during the run.

icsracer

I have been averaging 20 miles a week for some time. Just last night I attempted a run that I have complete serveral times. I was unable to finish. It is ok to stop and walk for little bit, but I always finish the distance running. For example: last night I made it 7 out of 8 miles and had no energy left. I then walked a 1/4 mile and then ran the rest. There are many factors that go into performance, so don't be discuraged if you fail to complete a run. I also tweek the running plans. Mostly due to my schedule and the weather. If one day it is supposed to be very hot I will postpone the run or go very late at night.

Heat and humidity are a huge factor in performance.

icsracer

I've said it before and I'll say it again: training plans are a guidelines not gospel. They are simply numbers on a page that don't know if it is 115 degrees or ft you feel bad (or great for that matter).

Feel free to tweak as needed. You shouldn't stress about your workouts. Try leaving your watch at home and take it easy and have some fun.

It's hard to do that since I use my phone and a GPS app to track my distance/pace, and it's hard to not look at it. Plus I always overestimate how far I've gone. I think I may just start putting "short run, medium run, long run" and let myself decide what that means during the run.

Mentaly I have to know how far I have gone. I have all of my routs planned out. Once again there are many factors that go into performance.