Sometimes I think that marathon training isn't very good for my OCD. Not only do we have a specific training schedule to stick to with prescribed miles to run each day, but I also have an account set up at Daily Mile to track my training progress and a Garmin, which is the ultimate data gatherer and lets me see all of the information I could ever hope to process just by glancing down at my wrist. The four fields that currently live on my homescreen are average lap time, previous lap time, total distance, and total time. Last night while I was trying to fall asleep I decided that I need to add a fifth field so that I can keep track of average lap time for my current lap, even though there's too much variability in the satellites to make that particular data point very accurate. Once I'm done with a run, I import the data to a program on my computer that graphs everything I could possibly ask for. I study my splits, look at the elevation charts, and compare to previous days. And I love every second of it.
On the other hand, the data tracking combined with my OCD makes me totally beat myself up when I miss workouts. This week hasn't been so great. I usually run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I ran on Monday, but then last night we went out to celebrate a friend's birthday so I wasn't able to get a run in. I'll run tonight, but I won't run tomorrow night because it's going to rain and I'll be racing (also in the rain) on Saturday. So my weekly mileage total is only going to be right around 20 miles, and I feel crappy about that. It's stupid that I feel crappy about it. I have a life that includes things other than running. I like spending time with my friends. I like being social and doing things outside the house. But I don't like having big dips like that on my data charts. I need to get over it, because I'm annoying my poor husband and myself by moping around and second-guessing everything, to the point where I actually considered dressing and running at 9:30 last night.
On a positive note, the run that I had on Monday was phenomenal. It was the best 10K of my tiny running career, and I'm just sad that it wasn't in an actual race. 6.3 miles (so slightly over, even!) in 57 minutes (9:06 average). I'd be thrilled if I could hit this time again in the actual 10K race on Saturday. Splits were super awesome, too! (9:30, 9:21, 9:16, 9:10, 8:58, 8:45)
59 days until Flying Pig!!
When you check out your Garmin data, do you use it to analyze your weak points? (Being a data-head myself, I'm sure you do already, but thought I'd ask.) B/c that's what I do on my non-running days if I can't find a way to cross-train. Rather than lament the missed run, I try and figure out the goal I need to work for my next run - like 'Hey, I did great on that hill, but then I let myself dip pace significantly when I hit the top. I went below my normal recovery pace for a good 45 seconds. Next run, when I hit the top of the hill, I need to try and stick no lower than my normal recovery pace.' Letting my brain get a positive workout rather than beeating me up.
ReplyDeletenot that I'm going to start running but thanks for this. I never knew some much analysis was possible with running.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the OCD thing. Do you have long checklists? Check the door locks, check the shoe laces, check the battery on the Garmin, etc.
all the best