Plateau's

So, this summer I was ridiculously bored and was running 2.5-3.5 miles pretty much everyday (Sometimes I would take a day off). Since school has started I have gotten extremely busy and haven't been able to run everyday. I take a ballet class every Tues and Thurs evenings, and have been running about 4-5 times a week (about 3.1 miles each time). The thing is, I feel like it is getting harder rather than easier. Over the summer it was gradually getting easier and I was getting faster, but now when I get done I feel like I am so out of breath! I don't know if it's because I'm not running everyday and my body isn't used to it and it's having to work harder to acclimate, or if I'm just getting worse. Anybody have any ideas as to why this is happening?? Has anyone else had a similar experience? In the end is this workout plan better since it is more varied?

How hard are you running?  Are you doing speedwork, intervals, tempos, or slow running?  Or are you alternating between different types of running exercises?  If you are always running at a higher intensity, you may be over doing it.  Make sure one run a week is at a slower pace.  Always, make sure you take a day off from running after a difficult run so your body can recover.  If all of your runs are pretty easy, and the problem persists, you may think about seeing a doctor.  After an easy run you should feel refreshed and energized, not out of breath.

I'm pushing myself pretty hard. Maybe not as hard as I could, but I wouldn't call it an easy run. When I have run on the treadmill, I got between 6.8-7.2 mph generally. I don't do any particular type of running (speedwork, intervals, etc). I just run and speed up and slow down as I get more energy or more tired. It could be that I'm over doing it because I'm always trying to push myself to get a better time. The out of breath-ness isn't extreme, it just seems like more than usual, but that could be because I'm pushing myself harder. And after the out of breath-ness goes away, I do generally feel energized and refreshed. I guess I was just over-reacting a bit.

Do you have any tips on speedwork, intervals, tempos, other running exercises, etc? Do you follow a particular regime? I'd love to have more structure to my routine. Oh and I'm trying to train for a 10k, so I want to be able to run 6.2 miles without a lot of strain and pain. Any ideas that might help me achieve this goal?

Thanks so much by the way! :-)

I love to mix it up... hiking, biking, classes, yoga, skiing, whatever is in season.... keeps me motivated and having fun!

Go to www.runnersworld.com and use their smartcoach program.  Smartcoach will create a plan for your race goals.  Say you would like to run a 10K on Nov. 1st, and-right now- your best 5K time is 24 minutes.  You would plug in all the information, and the program creates a 6 week plan customized to your goals.  You can print it out, and stick it to your fridge!  Smartcoach uses all the different types of running exercises I mentioned, and it also explains how they work.

You seem to be pretty competitive.  If you don't race- you should consider it.  Look up races in your area- you will probably find quite a few.  Races are a great way to keep you motivated.  Good Luck!  Let me know how your running progresses.

Thanks so much! That is really helpful! Is there a place where they describe what each exercise is (Tempo Run, Speedwork, etc)? Underneath it, it says the total distance (5 mi), inc (incline?); warm, 3 mi @ 9:40, cool. So does that mean you warm up a mile (walking?), run 3 mi at 9:40 a mile, and cool down a mile (walking?)? Then the speedwork one is just really confusing- It says: Dist: 5 mi, inc, Warm; 3x800 in 4:20, w/400 jogs; Cool....what does that mean? Sorry for all the questions! I really appreciate your help!

I wouldn't say I'm that competitive. I guess more so with myself than with others. I just want to improve on my times and distance. Other people aren't as big of a deal. I've run a couple of races this past year and I'm actually running a short 2 mile race next Saturday (not tommorow). I do like to be at least somewhere in the middle group of finishers, but it's always nice to come in closer to the top! Thanks again for all your help!

Just kidding, I found where it explains what they are!

What are you using to track your distance?  Are you always running on a treadmill?  Just curious.  If you still have questions, you can ask.  I like to help any way I can(Just as long as you keep running!).