Middle of the Road

Don't get too low or too high

Dec 11, 2020

I almost got myself into big, big trouble this week.

I did a long run on Sunday - maybe a bit faster than I should have, especially over some hills in Haddonfield. I took my normal day off on Monday but then doubled on Tuesday.

By Tuesday night I was feeling on the brink of something that would/could have put me out for at least a week.

My mind circled and raced around everything that could be causing such malaise. I know better than this, but I went down some deep rabbit holes about ailments and diseases…

It wasn’t pretty.

Step 1: Don’t panic. I kept telling myself and Carly that it was nothing. Mind over matter.

After looking at my recent activity (steps, sleep, and mileage), I realized that I probably got pretty close to cooking myself, so I backed off, took an extra rest day, and bounced back after some more rest and hydrating.

Step 2: Check your recent activity. You might be doing more than you thought you did.

Looking back over the last week, I had some higher mileage days, added more strength training, lost a few hours of sleep here and there, and nearly got caught in a self-induced trap.

I took a few easy days and some easy miles and I caught myself before I fell into a tailspin.

Step 3: Relax.

Friday’s Action Plan:

Add strides into your easy running days. It’ll prime you for workouts, long runs, as well as open up your legs for faster running.

Big Events Coming Up:

Need I say any more?

What’s Got My Attention:

Article: Why You Should Occasionally Ditch Your Running Shoes

Popular Newsletter Sessions:

Finding My VO2 Max - Oct 2020

Training & Recovering - Dec 2019

Quote of the Day:

“Don't compare your day one to someone's day 100.”

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Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com

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Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans, and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.

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