It’s no secret that I’ve been burned out from running (all you have to do is read my blog to know that). The fact that I didn’t do any long runs for the first two weeks of September further confirmed the burnout. I used to enjoy getting together with my friends or my husband to do long runs. Lately, my long runs feel more like doing taxes.
So I asked ChatGPT to make me a training plan. I told it, “I’m burned out from running, the last long run I did was 8 miles on August 30th, I need a plan that will get me to the Detroit International Half Marathon on October 19th without burning myself out more or getting hurt.” What it gave me wasn’t anything like the plans from Hal Higdon or Jenny Hadfield that I usually follow, but it was exactly what I needed: 3–4 runs per week, long runs with mileage ranges, nothing intimidating. Basically: “Run if you want, don’t collapse, good luck.” Hopefully it gets me across the finish line upright – which, let’s be real, is the only goal.
Long Run #1: Who Am I?
My first long run for the new plan said 8.5–9 miles. I said, Ha! I’ll be lucky to hit 8. I was already rehearsing my “welp, I tried” speech. I queued up a great playlist. The weather cooperated. And somehow, I felt strong. Like, suspiciously strong. Nine miles later, I finished feeling refreshed, motivated, and actually kind of excited. Honestly, it made me wonder, “Maybe I don’t hate running?” (Don’t worry, that feeling passed quickly.)
Long Run #2: Oh, There She Is
Fast forward to this week. I skipped a couple runs thanks to after-work chaos and sleeping like it was my side hustle. My body clearly wanted rest more than miles, and who was I to argue?
Today I set out for 9.5–10 miles, full of optimism from last weekend. The universe, however, said, calm down. My watch gave me a performance condition of -7. I didn’t even know it went that low. I felt fine, but apparently, my Garmin had other opinions. My first mile time was 14:31. A little faster than I usually run, but not ridiculous. Then things went south faster than my motivation in July (remember that blog post from July?). My heart rate skyrocketed and decided to stay there, that breeze that felt so great in the first miles was nowhere to be found, and my brain started drafting a breakup letter to running.
So I slowed down. Way down. Shuffle pace activated. But guess what? I got it done. Ten ugly, sweaty, stubborn miles at a pace slower than a three legged turtle walking through peanut butter.
Looking Toward Detroit
Now I’m a few weeks out from the half. Am I feeling confident? Not really. At this point, I plan to run it fueled by good vibes, friendship, and the undeniable Leo energy of “people are watching, so I can’t quit now.”
Detroit and I have history. Some years have been great. Some have been absolute dumpster fires. So I’m not expecting magic this time around. I’m more excited about being with my friends, cheering on the full marathoners, and soaking up the social aspect than I am about my own race.
If I cross the finish line upright, it’s a win. If I don’t, at least I’ll have an audience of friends to cheer me on while I fake it like the dramatic Leo that I am.
RD on the Run 