Plateaus

It feels more like falling down a mountain.

I finished reading Dr. Jay's book on the plane here. I think included in that particular bout of readings were the idea of plateaus. I've always hated plateaus...they're like treadmills. You're putting in the work, but not going anywhere. But in reality, this feels like I'm falling down a mountain. But in reality, I know I'm not. Despite somehow rocking my ten miler on Saturday, I've struggled with a slower than normal pace Monday and Tuesday. I realize there are a lot of factors contributing to this...maybe I am a little sick, my ribs hurt when I move, I was incredibly sore after Saturday, and courtesy of the Florida heat and humidity (which is amazing at all other times, but running), I've had some chafing issues. At least I'm taking the day off, so hopefully things work themselves out before six on Thursday and 11 on Saturday.

We're supposed to embrace plateaus. I suppose there is something to be said for taking a little break from climbing. It's just unrealistic to hope that one can start off running and maintain a steady pace of progress to elite status. We all have to start and end somewhere and between those points are increases, decreases, and stages of maintenance. In the book, ways to break out of a plateau stage were mentioned. I actually had a dream that I was able to join the high school track team. Even my unconscious knows that a little speed work is coming up. I'd like to hold off on that until after the half marathon though.

Week 9 Monday and Tuesday

Monday I ran three at an easy pace, but intense effort to the local gym with Jenny. We did a pretty quick abs workout there. Yes, abs was a spectacular idea for someone who has pain in her ribs, I know.

Tuesday I ran to the gym again, which is approximately three miles away with Jenny. When she went in to workout, I immediately turned around and headed home to finish a six mile run. What I noticed this day was that a lot of my self-talk is about surviving the run, which I don't particularly feel comfortable with.