THAT run

I usually have one pretty discouraging run during each training cycle. The one where I want to hang up my running shoes and find a new "hobby." Well, last night was THAT run. I had a 4-5 mile tempo run on the schedule. I felt good during my warm up and the first mile of the tempo was right on at 7:17. Then, I started feeling a heavy/tight sensation in my chest. I kept looking down at my watch and my pace was slipping as each lap went by. By the 1.5 mile mark, I was running a 7:30 pace and literally could not catch my breath. I felt like I was gasping for air. I stopped at mile 2 telling George that there was something wrong. It took me a good 5 minutes to regulate my breathing. Even after a really tough interval session, my breathing is back to normal within 30 seconds. 

My last tempo, 2 weeks ago was beautiful. I should be able to do this workout with no problem. How am I am working so hard and losing fitness at the same time? I know that is not the case, but is how my brain is processing it. It's frustrating because I don't know what is going on.

• Was it the time of day? I always feel a bit more sluggish at night. I don't really like running hard in the evenings, but thought it would be a good idea since I am doing my 20 miler on Saturday. I am not doing any more intervals/tempos at night.
• Allergies? Maybe? I have no congestion or anything though. I would have no problem taking something that I knew would help me, but I resist going on any medication because my body will react to every side effect listed on the box.
• Nutrition/Hydration? I did eat and drink yesterday. I didn't do anything different. I do feel like I am retaining fluids because I have felt a little "puffy" the past couple days - bags under my eyes in the morning, my fingers are stiff and feel a little swollen. So, I just need to drink more water today.
• Are my iron levels low? I have had shortness of breath when my iron levels were low before but nothing like what I experienced last night.
• Stress at work? Yes, work has sucked the past two weeks but I am usually able to shake that off soon after I leave the office.
• Sleep? I didn't have the best night of sleep on Wednesday night, but I got a solid 7 hours.

Again, I really don't know. I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep last night dwelling on this and how I should be peaking now, 5 weeks out from Boston. I should be feeling great. That kind of thinking just makes me hyperventilate. I AM DONE. I am just going to chalk it up as a one time "fluke"...my bad run this training cycle. I am going to take a rest day today, take my vitamins, eat lots of fruit and veggies, drink water, drink water, drink water, get a good night of sleep,  and have an awesome 20 mile run tomorrow.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.– Confucius

Fall seven times, stand up eight.- Japanese Proverb