Tempo Run on the Track

"We must wake up to the fact that athletics is not, nor ever can be perfected; there will always be more to learn." -Arthur "GreatHeart" Newton

Today's workout was a tempo run.  I started off with a 15 minute dynamic warm-up.  Did 4 miles at my half marathon pace, and then cooled down for a mile.  Stretched and went home.

Today's workout was not pretty.  After little sleep the past two days and long days at work, my body felt tired and heavy.  My legs began to ache (weird cramping in my calf), but I choose to finish the 4 miles.  I had 5 miles planned, but I have learned when to push myself and when to stop.

Training for anything is hard.  It demands time, motivation, and discipline.  No matter the amount of motivation and drive we hold inside ourselves, we must remember to train smart.  Ignoring certain signs and symptoms of dangerous fatigue can inevitably set back our training even more than just shortening one workout.

Over many years of competitive sports, I recognize when my resting heart rate is elevated.  This can mean many things such as lack of rest, not enough time to recover, illness, improper diet, and so on.  Whatever the reason, it is one of my key indicators to take it a little easy in training.

Another important factor is pain.  Yes, in marathon training you will feel pain.  But learn the difference between the good pain and the dangerous pain that could lead to injury.  Muscle fatigue and ache during long hard runs, heavy breathing, aching feet, are all normal in running.  However, muscle tweaks and cramping, deep aches, and severe pain must be taken seriously. Just stop or alter your workout.  One bad workout is not the end of the world, and it certainly will not destroy all of your previous hard work.