Tuesday, November 4, 2014

The Difference Between An Average Vs. Awesome Run

It's Tuesday and I am linking up with hosts Jessica Joy and Jill Conyers for their The Fit Dish Link-Up every Tuesday.

Today' s topic is "What's the difference between an average vs. awesome workout/run?" I will focus here on running with this question.
Below is how I distinguish between an average vs. awesome run:

The average run
- feel alright, nothing special, same ol same ol run
- familiar pace or can even be slower
- comfortable
- taking it easy
- can tire easily or legs feel heavy
- feel ok afterwards
- got it done

The awesome run
- feel excited and energized
- faster than usual pace
- not in the usual comfort zone in a good way
- challenging
- strong like you can run for miles and miles
- happy or ecstatic afterwards
- sense of accomplishment

While the average run is ok, we all love the awesome runs. But we do need those average runs to get the awesome runs as that is what training is all about. Sometimes awesome runs come as PR's or personal records, sometimes not. Below is a pic of my most recent awesome run taken at the Perfect 10 miler race a couple of weeks ago. :)
How do we get awesome runs vs. average runs?
Many times it is hard to predict. I said in my post last week, on what running has taught me about life, I stated that you will have good days and bad days. With runs there can be lots of factors that can affect your running like tiredness, time of day, or what you eat. Getting rest, eating healthy, and running when you are most comfortable can help you get awesome runs, but you just never know with running.

When was your last awesome run?

32 comments:

  1. For me, my runs are affected by all of the things you mentioned but they are most affected by mindset. When I have to run on my own I have a harder time getting excited. It's running in a race setting that always gets me excited. I can't think of a single race that sucks. Maybe I need to join a running group. Great post!

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  2. My last awesome run was forever ago bc I have been trying to heal an injury (likely a stress fracture). I am hoping that it is better for my half in two weeks. Fingers crossed!

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  3. I ran a 10K last Saturday and it felt great! I wasn't tired just super pumped! Loved it!

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  4. Jessica Joy @theFitSwitchNovember 4, 2014 at 7:37 AM

    I feel exactly the same way. You said it so well! Those awesome runs are a bit magical, and pretty unpredictable. But good call with staying healthy and taking care of your body to help them 'appear' more often. Thanks for linking up!

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  5. I would say my last really awesome run was my last half marathon where I PR'd.

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  6. I would love to feel like I could run for miles and miles... great motivation!

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  7. I so love the difference between "getting it done" and feeling "a sense of accomplishment". Great difference!

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  8. Thanks! Great point about your runs being affected by mindset. Races are definitely exciting and it's where PR's happen. Running groups do help push you especially if you run with faster people.

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  9. I hope your injury heals quickly!! Good luck in your half!

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  10. Awesome! Great job on your 10K!!

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  11. Thanks Jessica! As always, thanks for hosting the link up! :)

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  12. Awesome! Great job on your last half!

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  13. Thanks Lori! It is a great feeling!

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  14. I find I can have an awesome run if I get enough rest, eat kale the night before (it gives me wings) and I wake up with the right attitude. I then meet up and take off and I am ON!!!!

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  15. I agree those awesome runs can be unpredictable and depend on a lot of factors out side of the run it's self. Rest is definitely a big one. But I also believe with practice we can train our bodies and minds to have more awesome runs than average :)

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  16. I love that feeling you get when you have an awesome run. It looks like most of us had similar ideas. The awesomeness is an internal feeling we get when things just click.

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  17. Great list Sharon. "Get it done" and a "Sense of accomplishment" is definitely a huge qualifier in my mind.

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  18. My last awesome run was just over a week ago. I ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill and I felt like I could've gone further. My legs and lungs felt strong, and I felt like the time flew by! I love it when that happens. Keeps me going back for more!

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  19. That's great! Awesome that kale gives you wings! :) Thanks for visiting Diatta!

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  20. Thanks Amber! I like what you say that with practice we can train our bodies and minds to have more awesome runs! Sounds good to me! :)

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  21. It is an awesome feeling! Everything feels right!

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  22. Sounds like a great run! And on a treadmill, great job!!

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  23. I love not in usual comfort zone in a good way :) Feels great doesn't it!

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  24. It does feel great! Thanks Jill!

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  25. Awesome runs are magical…wish I could have more ;)

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  26. They sure are! Just keep at it and you will. :)

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  27. Jessica Pureromance BuresNovember 10, 2014 at 2:55 PM

    Hey love, thanks for partying with me this week at Live Randomly Simple! So much great content this week! Hope you make it back this week! Party starts 10pm tonight and runs through Saturday!! Cant wait to see what new goodies you have for us! This was a fun post!

    Have a great week

    Jess

    http://www.liverandomlysimple.com

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  28. I love an awesome run! When I was training for my half, my awesome runs were my long runs... Every week I loved that "omg I ran hair long?!?" feeling. I have to be in the right clothes/shoes for an awesome run... I'm super picky about feeling comfortable. I had a pretty awesome run yesterday... It was slow and it was intervals, but I ran with C and the dogs, & that was a challenge in itself!

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  29. That's great! Love that you are still running while pregnant! Awesome job!

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