Half marathon training frustration

truedecember · April 2009

Hey all, I'm really frustrated right now. I'm training to run my first half marathon, and it's coming up in about six weeks! I've been doing great with my training schedule.... until today. I was supposed to do a tempo run, with a mile warm up, 4 miles tempo, and a mile cool down... and I totally and completely failed. I felt really physically tired from the get-go, and I just couldn't get my mental energy up... I only ended up doing 2 of the 4 miles.

So, I'm REALLY frustrated and mad at myself. I can't believe I didn't complete my run. And now I'm worried, because of course it only gets harder from here. What do I do if I can't do the tempo run next week? (Which is faster and adds another mile.) Have I totally screwed up and is this going to mess up my training altogether?

I'm obviously not an expert runner, so if anyone has advice/suggestions or has been in the same boat I would love to hear it.

Thanks everyone.

truedecember · April 2009

Hey all, I'm really frustrated right now. I'm training to run my first half marathon, and it's coming up in about six weeks! I've been doing great with my training schedule.... until today. I was supposed to do a tempo run, with a mile warm up, 4 miles tempo, and a mile cool down... and I totally and completely failed. I felt really physically tired from the get-go, and I just couldn't get my mental energy up... I only ended up doing 2 of the 4 miles.

So, I'm REALLY frustrated and mad at myself. I can't believe I didn't complete my run. And now I'm worried, because of course it only gets harder from here. What do I do if I can't do the tempo run next week? (Which is faster and adds another mile.) Have I totally screwed up and is this going to mess up my training altogether?

I'm obviously not an expert runner, so if anyone has advice/suggestions or has been in the same boat I would love to hear it.

Thanks everyone.

Kimono · April 2009

Oh don't worry-you will be fine. I have been running for 2 years and have completed 4 halves and 1 full, numerous shorter runs. Everyone has days and runs like that. Don't beat yourself up about it. If you are getting your long runs in and this is the only time you haven't completed a run you are doing great! Maybe you just needed a bit of a rest to let your muscles recover and get stronger.

dclarsh · April 2009

I'm no expert runner either, but everyone has their bad runs. At least I do. Don't beat yourself up and don't think of it as a failure, think of it as a learning experience. Ask yourself what was different about today that made it so difficult to finish.

Also, you might be training a little too hard. Our bodies need rest, and yours just might be saying, "Whoa - hold on a minute!". Try taking a day or two off from the running, maybe get on the elliptical or swim or take a spinning class to stay active, but keep it low impact. I bet if you do that, then your next run will be a piece of cake.

Whatever you do, don't give up!

smagnan · April 2009

I've run one half marathon in my life, just so I could check it off my life list of things to do. Believe me one run is going to make or break you. Like Kimono said your long runs are really what count. Make sure you complete those and on the same surface as the race, another mistake I made. I trained all on dirt roads and the race was on pavement.... big difference.

I wish you the best of luck! It is a fun time and a good challenge of yourself!

smagnan · April 2009

My bad I was rereading as I hit the reply and I meant to say was

Believe me one run is NOT going to make or break you.

I repeat is NOT going to make that much of a difference!!!

sorry about that

jessmomof3 · April 2009

You know what, I'm training for my 3rd half marathon (in 9 days!) and I still find tempo runs hard!!!

As for finishing your first half, do NOT sweat the tempo runs. Just get in the mileage the best that you can, the long runs are the most important ones. I only did 10 miles as my longest run before my first half and I finished fine. :bigsmile:

Good luck!!

Jess

jesneverhome · April 2009

i ran my first full marathon last year. I never even did the tempo training but i almost always completed the long runs. i had an injury to my foot and missed the 20 mile run which is the longest run in training and a month b4 the big day. i did fine on the marathon. missing one run doesnt make or break you. you'll be fine.

truedecember · April 2009

Thank you so much everyone! I feel a lot better now!

nikii14 · April 2009

I think it is GREAT that you are training for a half marathon..that alone is a HUGE accomplishment.
It may not be what you want, but its huge!!

I CANNOT run to save my life. I just started jogging on the treadmill and I was just able to go for 3 minutes....I can't imagine 3 or 4 MILES.

So you do the best you can and know that you are doing great!!!

Good Luck!!:flowerforyou:

Kimono · April 2009

I just wanted to say that Tempo runs are very hard for me too. I find them easier on the treadmill because you don't need to find that pace naturally-you just push a button. But doing a tempo run outside is a challenge.

dclarsh · April 2009

I think it is GREAT that you are training for a half marathon..that alone is a HUGE accomplishment.
It may not be what you want, but its huge!!

I CANNOT run to save my life. I just started jogging on the treadmill and I was just able to go for 3 minutes....I can't imagine 3 or 4 MILES.

So you do the best you can and know that you are doing great!!!

Good Luck!!:flowerforyou:

Hey, keep it up and you'll get there! I started on the treadmill in January doing two minute run/three minute walk cycles, and yesterday I ran four miles straight! I didn't think I could do it when I started either, but there I was, grinning like an idiot when I finished. If I can do it, so can you!

Half marathon training frustration

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