What to do when workout falls apart?

Training Advice/Discussion General

7 years ago 10/18/2016 2:50pm EDT

Today during my track workout, I blew up after about one set and had to take a break and start over. Even after a 5 minute break, I still blew up after a set; each rep I ran was slower than the last. I'm almost certain it was related to the sudden rise in temperature and my hydration. In any case, what do you guys usually do in these types of cases? Scrap the workout and do an easy run? Try to do the workout later in the day (an extra meal and hydration might help)? Or just skip running altogether that day and continue on with my week?

7 years ago 10/18/2016 2:54pm EDT

re: supersickrunner

Depends how bad you feel.

Sometimes I will swap out longer reps for shorter ones at the same pace and see if that helps.

7 years ago 10/18/2016 2:56pm EDT

re: supersickrunner

If I bonk a workout, I don't take it too seriously. Lack of sleep, weather, too much training, or just overall feeling crappy could be causes. If I'm not responding after the 2nd rep like I should, I'll jog an easy mile or two, stretch, and forget about the session. Take a day or two of easy days to sleep, recover, eat a bit more, and then get back at it.

I think it's normal to have an isolated workout fall apart. However, if it becomes a pattern, then there is a more serious issue that needs to be addressed. If not, then you're good. It happens to pros, so it's bound to happen to you.

7 years ago 10/18/2016 3:05pm EDT

re: joalturn

How about a long run that starts out as a slog and you can't comfortably make it better, just suffer through? I had that yesterday, slogged ALL of the planned mileage.

7 years ago 10/18/2016 3:29pm EDT

re: joalturn

This pretty much nails it. Unless this is happening on a regular basis, don't worry about it.

The only thought I would give to it is to see if you can identify a cause - was your diet off, resulting in low blood sugar? Were you sick? Did you not get any sleep last night? Etc.

If you can identify the cause and try to eliminate for future workouts and race days, great. Otherwise, just move on. One or two blown workouts in a training cycle won't have a meaningful impact.

7 years ago 10/18/2016 3:44pm EDT

re: supersickrunner

You should never blow up in a workout. If you did, bag it and go back to the drawing board.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

What to do when workout falls apart?

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

What to do when workout falls apart?

Follow WhitePony

Block WhitePony

Follow joalturn

Block joalturn

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.