JJSB Rundate 15099: Training Week 6, The slumps will come...

So, I'm currently in the 7th week of this training plan which means that I've completed 6 weeks and am half way through.  The past week and a half has been a bit rough as I have been uninspired about pretty much everything in life, including running.  In most of the training plans that I follow, there are "step back" weeks, in which the mileage for the long run is decreased from the previous few weeks.  This past week was a major step back week.  The long run was only 3.1 miles (5k) and I looked forward to it throughout the week, expecting to blow it away.  But when I got to Saturday, I was feeling so blah and lacking so much energy that I had to force myself just to get out to run.  My time wasn't horrible by any means (average pace of 8:49 min/mile) but I have done much faster and it was just a let down overall.  I've done two runs since then and they have both been total chores.  I almost didn't even do the Thursday night 5 mile run because I just wasn't feeling it at all.
At any rate, hopefully the rest of the week will be better, culminating with a satisfying 9 mile run this coming Saturday.

If you've followed this blog recently, then you know I've been posting regarding how I got started running and things I've learned throughout the years.  This week, appropriately, I wanted to talk about the running slumps that can and will come to every runner.  There are so many things that can cause them: Lack of quality sleep, poor nutrition/hydration, changes in outside temperatures, allergy issues, other activities that compete for time and energy, etc.  The important thing to know is that they will come.  They will.  I know that it's important in long distance running to keep going no matter what.  That's a lot of what it comes down to.  And when you are in a slump, this axiom is more important than ever to remember.  

But, although you have to stick with it and keep going, you don't have to do it in the same way.  If you are feeling sluggish, the most important thing is to get out there and start.  Starting is always the hardest part.  And once you get out there and start, if you still feel the energy depleting slump just owning you, then don't be afraid (or to proud) to slow it down a little.  It's okay to have off days, or even a string of them, in which you slow your pace considerably.  The important thing is to complete the run.   I't even okay to take walk breaks if you feel like you need one.  Surprisingly, walk breaks sometimes actually improve your overall pace for the run.  Especially on long runs.  

So, I guess what I'm saying is that you shouldn't be too hard on yourself.  You will go through valleys and peaks just like with anything else in life.  Sure, sometimes you have to push yourself a little when you're feeling sluggish, but don't become to obsessed about making a certain pace or failing to do so.  Just persevere and you will eventually (probably sooner rather than later) leave that slump behind.

So, that's it for this entry.  

Well, except of course, for the "Song of the Run".

One of my favorite bands of the past decade is Arcade Fire and in 2010, they released a spectacular album called The Suburbs.    There are a bunch of great songs on this one so I encourage you to check it out when you get a chance.

For now, here is "Empty Room"

"When I'm by myself

I can be myself

When my life is calm

But I don't know when"

             "Empty Room"  Arcade Fire