It seemed like a good idea at the time. But like a lot of ideas that you get at 4:30am in the morning, it really wasn't that good after all.
My good idea? To turn my alarm off. To sleep in. To have a lazy start to the day.
At the time I justified it by telling myself that it was raining and cold. Apologies to all of you North Americans who can really complain about the cold. It really wasn't that cold. I'd had to pull up a blanket - that's all. The windows were still wide open and that's how I could hear the rain so clearly.
And I justified it by reminding myself that I'd been really tired after yesterday's speed session and had to drag myself through the day. It was a tough session - 10 mins effort then 3 mins rest, repeated four times. I hadn't even done a whole last rep due to an urgent call of nature. Thank goodness football season has started and the toilets were unlocked. The last time we did this set I'd died big time by the end. This time all of my reps were faster even if I was slowing towards the end. Yes, I'd worked hard so it was fair enough that I was tired.
My third justification was the niggly little pain that I've had in my hip for the last couple of months. It hasn't been getting worse but neither has it been getting any better. It doesn't hurt when I run so I've kept running - it just annoys me a little when I tighten up afterwards. I figured at 4:30am that it was a great idea to give my hip an extra day to recover.
So my alarm got switched off. And I didn't wake up till almost 7:30. And now I'm cranky with myself. I'm a good hour behind in my schedule. I haven't had my dose of endorphins. It'll be hard to make the run up this week. And, worst of all, I still haven't been able to test out my new running shoes.
It was too wet yesterday and I didn't want to wear them on Saturday for a 20k. That's just asking for blisters.
Luckily, this mood will only be with me for less than 24 hours more. I've got hills at 5:30 tomorrow and there's no way I can stay cranky after running hills. It's something to do with the endorphins mixed with the smell of the bush, the sound of the birds and being surrounded by all that green. You can't help but feel good after a hill session.
I hate when I turn off my alarm - it's rare because usually even when I do, I can't go back to sleep so I end up getting up anyway.
ReplyDeleteGlad that tomorrow you will be out there running some hills!!!
Oh, you're so hard on yourself... perhaps a day off every so often is okay!?
ReplyDeleteFor me, getting up before 7.30am is getting up early! ;-)
Isn't it amazing what we can convince ourselves of when we're half asleep? I'd feel the same way if I blew off a run. I can't imagine sleeping until 7:30. I hope you enjoyed it. : )
ReplyDeleteHave also done that before, but then when I see other people out running as I ride to work, I want to get off my bike and join them... Then since I still have to run I need to pop out in the evening!
ReplyDeleteDespite the lack of endorfins, perhaps it was a good thing to have an impromptu rest day? That niggly little hip pain you describe sounds exactly like the one I ignored for a couple years until it made me have to take a break from running.
ReplyDeleteIt's been so long since I've slept in until 7 that I'd probably be fine with that I'd it were me. I'm usually up by 6, often by 5, even when there's no early morning workout
ReplyDeleteOooh I know that mood so well. I often do upper body exercises on a day like that to help with the mood. We've had 4 days of non-stop rain. I've done rain runs the last two mornings because my mood was getting really bad.
ReplyDeleteI get mega cranky if I don't get my quiet hour in the morning before the kids get up. I agree you do need a day off sometimes but I know the cranky feeling that goes along with it!! Funnily enough I was talking with a mum at school pick up who is training in personal fitness and she was saying the best way to start your day is to exercise!! I would love to go for a walk early but I dont think 4am would make me very happy at all!! Love the new joggers!!
ReplyDeleteI rode past you on Saturday - must have been after the police incident as I didn't see anything. Also had a sleep in on Tuesday - must be something in the water...
ReplyDeleteAwesome looking new shoes, very nice.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great hills secession, I miss the great outdoors and running so am waiting for all this mud to start drying and then hubby plans on dragging me out for some off road cycling .... should be fun!!
I hate it when I skip a run and I've done it a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteI have done that a few times of late, and I'm blaming the crappy, never-ending winter we are having. It's just harder to motivate. But I will say--I always regret it if I don't get up and get it done right away. Life is always smoother when the workout is done first.
ReplyDeleteI can't go back to sleep when I turn off my alarm.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the wet weather. I hate it.
My day would be so much easier if I got up early tomorrow. But I'm sleeping a little (30 more minutes maybe) and working out after school. I HATE getting up. You do it all the time.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about feeling good after a tough workout!! Take care of that hip.
ReplyDeleteThe way I read this is that you needed to sleep in and that's perfectly okay. There's nobody I know who is more consistent with her training schedule than you so in my opinion you deserved the sleep in.
ReplyDeleteOh and love the new shoes!
ReplyDeleteYou have teenagers AND you slept in until 7:30??? Please, please tell me how. I'm begging you!!
ReplyDeleteNot teenagers any more, Chad. The last one turned 20 last year. They would all sleep later than 7:30 if given the chance.
DeleteI hate turning off my alarm too ... never ends well. But a sleep in can be nice!
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