Running With Jack

You ever have a moment in your training where you feel like something is not right? I don’t know if it’s the bouncing weather, too much stress from everyday life, or just old age settling in, but I have been feeling really sluggish the last several weeks. It seems like I have to work a lot harder to keep my speed up during my runs. Actually my long run pace has decreased slightly compared to last year.

I was thinking about this yesterday afternoon, trying to find an answer. I jotted down a few thoughts:

- My mileage is about 10-20% higher than last winter.
- This winter I am running a long run almost every weekend, last winter I was running a long run every two weeks alternating with a ‘medium’ long run.
- Last January I was going to the swimming pool twice a week, this year I have only been to the pool once.
- I have been slacking off with the healthy eating, too many sweets etc. – luckily my weight has not increased.
- My racing goals and schedule are not clearly defined.
- Life seems to be much more demanding this year, I am having a hard time staying focused.

Then I jotted down a few things that I need to work on the next few months:

- Get back to eating right.
- Schedule in some cross-training and do it!
- Don’t worry about racing so much, just do what I can and stop whining.
- Relax, try to balance out life, too much of any one thing is not good – this includes running.

By the way, my wife has a job interview on Wednesday, say a prayer, keep your fingers crossed, send positive vibes, all of the above!