Bad run this afternoon

I did several things different today. With not so good results. But it doesn't matter I've got till Sunday to recover before my long run for the week. Here are the things I did different;
1. Ran a different course with altering terrain i.e. grass, concrete, sand, and asphalt.
2. Started to fast. I'm using running world's training guide for the half marathon and i think I'm to new and to out of shape to be working tempo and speed work.
3. The book "Non Runners Marathon Training Guide" suggest you not use music when you run. It doesn't say why. It did not work for me at all. It made me dwell on how much further I had to run.

Any advise or guidance would be great.

 Dude.. alot of the "purists" will say don't use music.  I did it for a while. I found I liked running with music better.  Do what works bro.  I can tell you it was Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" as cheesey as it sounds, that got me through mile 23 ;)  

Bad runs happen, shake it off and get back at it, but don't stop trying new things from time to time.  

I've only been running about 5 months and I made mistakes too. For example, I tried sprints -- stupid -- messed up the knee for a couple of weeks. I find that when I run alone and don't need to listen for cars, then I run with the ipod. I like it and it helps my pace. When I run with a friend, I like to chat.

At first I ran without music, but those were much shorter distance training runs. When I started training for a half marathon, and my "short" runs were 8 or 9 miles, I bought an ipod nano and it helped a lot. I now do all my runs with it, and because of it I have to stick to the sidewalk but its a fair trade off to me.

Most training guides are really just a book of suggestion, you don't need to follow them to a "t",you can alter them where you see fit, you know your body, these books don't know your body, and these books don't know what works for you and what keeps you motivated.

There is no set formula that works for everyone, but you have a long time to figure out what works for you. I come from a running background, and have never "warmed up" before a race in the past, but all these books and such state do a warm up blah blah, but if I do anything besides stretch before a race, my time sucks and I don't meet my expectation. I have tried it, and the "warm up" wears me out for the race. So at a race, where everyone is doing their jogging and sprints before the race start, I am stretching, and wether that is right or wrong, its what works for me.

As silly as this may sound. I bought a garmin forerunner 110 GPS watch from fleet feet sports back in June, ever since I've had this little gadget on my wrist my running has improved dramatically, I can see how far I have ran,my heart rate, pace and time. Back then I was just getting into running again, and in 2 weeks I went from running 3.2 miles to 6 miles, only because I liked watching the distance on the garmin go up, silly I know, but it worked for me.

Good luck in your training. Since we are somewhat close I'd really like to get a chance to meet you and your wife sometime.

I learn more from my tough runs than my good ones...

I too had an awful run on Wednesday. It really caused me to be in a funk. I've been training and following my plan to a T. However, my plan had me doing 7 miles and I didn't feel I could tie up the gym's treadmill for 7 miles so I ran outdoors. It was about 20 warmer than normal and the wind was brutal!!! I felt like I had cement in my shoes. It was by far the worst run I have ever experienced. Nothing was going right!

You will have days like this, but what is important is where you go from there. I'm choosing to let that one go and not let it stop me. I've got to wash away those bad thoughts when they enter my mind. I have to remember it's a new day and a new run. For me....when the bad thoughts enter my mind, my feet feel heavy and I'm carry just a burden. I know, I must focus and tell myself that I can make it through it. I have to replace those thoughts with things that well help me carry on. You just have to find those words or whatever it is to help you press on.

As far as music goes, I think people (race coordinators and experts) have to warn you about the danger of tuning the outside noises out for your safety. You need to hear on coming cars and other approaching objects and people. I am just careful that I don't turn it up so loud that I can't hear those things. I personally don't run very well without music. If I hear my feet hitting the ground, it drives me crazy. I guess it's like hearing your own voice on a recorder or whatever. It tends to annoy me. I also, pull from the music to keep me going strong.

Best wishes to you and don't let a bad day keep you from reaching your goals. We all have them from time to time. Even the super pros have bad days too!

The best way to improve your running is to find a running partner.  Check out the local running groups.  It can really improve your time, stamina, and experience.  It's a great motivator to know there are others waiting at the starting line for you.

Different terrain should not be a problem, in fact, it should be a beneift, since it taxes different parts of your body.

Before I started running with a partner I would always use an ipod.  It really worked for me as a detriment when events would not allow you to run with headphones.  None of the tri and dual events allow you to wear headgear.

Rob

 I hear that Rob - my duathlon is tomorrow and no headphones.. first time I'll be running without music in some time.  Maybe I'll sing to myself :)