Reed Lake 5k - First DNF
New experience today: starting and not finishing a race. Two miles into the Reeds Lake Run 5k I dropped out, overcome with lactic acid and feeling nauseous, stiff, out of breath and mentally fatigued. I was not on pace for a PR and had actually started out kind of slowly for me.
Here is what I learned:
- Sprint workouts should not be done within two days of any race, ever. It leaves my legs too sore, flat and heavy for too long.
- It's probably best not to expect to race well within a few days of a long vacation involving lots of travel. My sleep patterns haven't been quite right and that may have affected me physically and mentally.
- I could have finished, but chose not to because of an overactive sense of pride. I couldn't stand the thought of letting up the intensity and, figuratively speaking, limping to the finish. Most people can finish a 5k even if it requires walking partway.
- Whether one is "on" or "off" on a particular day is a real factor in distance racing.
- I need to race again soon.
Here is what I learned:
- Sprint workouts should not be done within two days of any race, ever. It leaves my legs too sore, flat and heavy for too long.
- It's probably best not to expect to race well within a few days of a long vacation involving lots of travel. My sleep patterns haven't been quite right and that may have affected me physically and mentally.
- I could have finished, but chose not to because of an overactive sense of pride. I couldn't stand the thought of letting up the intensity and, figuratively speaking, limping to the finish. Most people can finish a 5k even if it requires walking partway.
- Whether one is "on" or "off" on a particular day is a real factor in distance racing.
- I need to race again soon.