3 Miles is Pretty Far

in All Posts

Seriously.  Three miles is a long way to run.  I don’t care how many 10Ks or Half Marathons or even full Marathons that I do, 3.0 miles is still a pretty far way to run.  Respect the distance, yo! 

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Although it’s been 9 days since my marathon, my legs still do not feel normal (not ‘don’t exercise,’ but more like ‘don’t go crazy, kid’).  It’s crazy how much distance takes out of you.  I did 3.0 miles this morning in 29:00 and was dragging by the end.  Jen wrote a post about her post-marathon hiatus, and I must admit I feel pretty much the same way! I’ll just continue to do short workouts and yoga to maintain fitness and hope the urge to do endurance runs comes back soon (I am, after all, signed up for a Half in a month). 

 

I do think it’s very important to listen to your body, especially after a big race.  If my body doesn’t want me to run for a long time, I’m not going to!  I’ve never really experienced a slump like this – it’s blah.

 

Moving onwards… Mmm.  Fuel!

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I was craving big, fresh salad for lunch.

 

In the mix:

 

  • Romaine
  • Sprouts
  • Pear
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • White Kidney Beans
  • Balsamic Reduction

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And I enjoyed some of Anne P’s 5-Minute No Bake Bars, but I subbed out puffed rice for puffed millet, sunflower seeds for cashews, peanut butter for almond butter, and skipped the coconut.

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I’ve had these before (Anne made me some when I visited her in DC), and this version did not disappoint!  I like how you can mix and match some of the ingredients to whatever you have in your pantry.  :)  I’m going back for another little square now!

 

Anyone else dealing with a post-race slump?  How did you bounce back?  

 

PS -  Daily plea to pleeeeeeeeeease VOTE for Operation Beautiful to win the Amway Positivity Project!  If I win, I will donate the ENTIRE $10,000 PRIZE to Girls on the Run International, a self-esteem building program for 8 – 10 year old girls.  Over the years, GOTR has helped over 1 million young ladies.  No registration required to vote – just a little click!  You can vote once a day until mid-November!  CaitlinHTP will be eternally grateful.

{ 85 comments }

 

  • grocery goddess coaching November 8, 2010, 2:11 pm

    Those five minute bars look pretty darn good. I have only raced a couple of times, so I don’t know that I can recall the way I felt after. I do go through exercise slumps, but I always get back in the swing of things eventually, and I’m sure you will, too.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete November 8, 2010, 2:16 pm

    When I get in exercise slumps I just try to keep moving and try new things — if I don’t feel like running I’ll hit the gym for some weights or I’ll go for a bike ride. As long as I keep moving I usually get back in the groove.

    Also, getting new shorts/pants or even a new sports bra is sometimes motivation to get going again!

  • Sarah for Real November 8, 2010, 2:18 pm

    Just don’t start a major kitchen remodeling project in the middle of your slump because at some point, you will want to run again, and won’t be able to because your house is turned upside down and to top it off you are unable to cook much real food for yourself which leaves you wanting to run but knowing that you’re not fueling properly and that it would probably be a bad experience anyways.

    Do I win the award for longest run-on sentence in a comment? 😀

  • Janene Giuseffi November 8, 2010, 2:22 pm

    Although I’m not dealing with a post-race slump, I’m just getting back into running after a long hiatus. 3 miles is definitely not a distance to snuff at, and it’s been really fun for me to sit back and watch how those 3 miles get easier. Every time I think that 13.1 or eventually 26.2 miles seems soooo(!) long, I think about how just a couple short months ago, 3 miles seemed soooo long, too. Someday, I’ll get there! 🙂

  • janae @ hungryrunnergirl November 8, 2010, 2:25 pm

    I am currently in that slump because my knee is injured:( I am bouncing back by trying as many different types of exercise as possible. Running isn’t everything and I am trying to incorporate muscle training and things I have never tried before.
    3 miles really is a long ways no matter how many marathons one does!
    I think I am going to have to have a salad for lunch after seeing yours!
    What half-marathon are you going to do? Do you like cold weather running?

    • Caitlin November 9, 2010, 10:21 am

      I’m signed up for the Thunder Road Half. I’m excited 🙂 And I’m not decided yet on cold weather running – its hard to get into it without the right clothes. I definitely need to buy some gear.

  • Claire November 8, 2010, 2:26 pm

    I ran New York yesterday. Did you see that Haile Gebrselassie retired from running after stopping midway through? Well…I finished but I feel like Haile might be on to something…

    Just kidding I know I’ll want to run again…but wow there’s nothing to make you want to turn your back on running forever like the day after a marathon!!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:15 pm

      so sad about Haile!

    • Anon November 8, 2010, 7:16 pm

      Meredith Viera and Al Roker ran NY also.
      And so did one of the Chilean miners (amazing!). He would run while trapped in the mines.

      You are very fortunate. I am unable to jog more than 2 minutes due to some issues. Treasure every step. Your blessed.

      • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:21 pm

        You are right, Anon! Every mile is special.

  • kate November 8, 2010, 2:43 pm

    3 miles is spectacular! Celebrate every mile, pose, stretch, swim!

  • Anne P November 8, 2010, 2:46 pm

    Mmmm now I want to make some of my bars! It’s been too long 😉

    We missed you this weekend!! Xo

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin November 8, 2010, 2:51 pm

    That salad looks awesome with the pears and balsamic reduction. Yum!!

  • Krystina (Basil & Wine) November 8, 2010, 2:51 pm

    3 miles IS a long distance! Good job!

  • Kristina @ spabettie November 8, 2010, 2:52 pm

    thanks for saying this, Caitlin !! three miles is A LOT for me right now… I have run many many longer distances (races from 5 – 18k) and right now? a MILE is big for me as I return to post injury running.

    respect the distance, indeed. I cannot wait until I can run 3 miles easily again! <3

  • Kelly November 8, 2010, 2:53 pm

    Sometimes I think 3 miles is harder than like 5 or 6, it’s definitely my least favorite distance.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 2:54 pm

      I agree! I feel that way about 4 milers. Ugh. 4 milers suck.

      • SaraK November 8, 2010, 4:44 pm

        4 miles is the worst distance! I don’t start to enjoy a run until at least mile 5.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun November 8, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I love how you share going back to shorter distances and being okay with it. I imagine that is much more realistic than diving in to long runs again right away. I know it works for some, but I bet many readers who do long distance races find comfort seeing someone else just go with the flow afterwards too.

  • Marg November 8, 2010, 2:53 pm

    It’s so good to hear this from you! I’m struggling to get to 3 miles (on a break due to knee issues)! I know I’ll get there eventually, but listening to my body now.

  • Dorry November 8, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I love that you credit 3 miles! I wrote about that in my post today and think it’s a great mindset for runners whether beginners or advanced. 🙂

  • Lily's Health Pad November 8, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I felt the same way after my first (and only) marathon. I just started cross training a lot and pretty much gave up running for awhile. Although, I wouldn’t recommend that! I lost all of my running fitness that way.

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations November 8, 2010, 2:54 pm

    No recent races for me, but I do understand about liking to have a goal and how any distance is a long distance when your body is bouncing back from something strenuous.

    Looks like you’re on the right track, and lunch looks tasty.

  • Lisa November 8, 2010, 2:56 pm

    I injured myself after my last race so yeah…I’m in a slump. ;(

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) November 8, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Since I don’t run marathons, I can’t give advice based on that, but I can say that even those of us who don’t do marathons, but exercise on a regular basis go through slumps and you are right to change things up. I like doing different things like kickboxing and intervals just to change it up or I get bored. Not to mention, like you said this morning, you have to do different things or your muscles/fitness will slump. On the note of strength, have you ever done core fusion? I love it and it works you out in a completely different way.

    Those bars sound delicious! I will have to give them a try!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa November 8, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Good for you for listening to your body. And I agree, some days I can knock out 10 miles and its not major thing and other days three miles kicks my ass.

  • Keri November 8, 2010, 3:02 pm

    After my marathon, I couldn’t run for 6 months! At all! Not without sharp, shooting pain in my right knee. So I too sought yoga, learned to love circuit training, and learned that lifting weights made me feel toned and strong, and did not make me feel big and bulky. And after rest, and strength training, and all that yoga, I started to run again. Little distances. Slowly. I doubt that I will ever be able to run a 4:22 marathon 🙂 (Congrats!) again, but running 3-6 miles IS a long ways. So I guess, I did what you are doing, only with weight training and circuit training added in. I think you are a stronger athlete than me though, so I bet you’ll be adding up the miles in no time!

  • Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) November 8, 2010, 3:07 pm

    I’m not suffering from a post-race slump but I’m definitely dealing with get-back-in-shape slump. It’s to be trying SO hard and still be running WAY slower than I was just two months ago! This is the last time I’m letting myself get out of shape!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) November 8, 2010, 3:07 pm

    Those no bake bars sound delicious! And I agree–3 miles is a lot!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg November 8, 2010, 3:07 pm

    Isn’t it funny how you can run 13 miles, or 18, 20, 26, — etc….but THREE miles can still feel like a long distance, depending on the day?! Crazy!

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle November 8, 2010, 3:14 pm

    Usually when I am in a slump I just look for another goal to focus on….. whether it is setting a PR, signing up for a distance race or a new workout schedule with an end result in mind. I like to be working towards something rather than just working out, helps me motivate!

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story November 8, 2010, 3:15 pm

    I ran a half marathon 2 weeks ago and I haven’t ran since. :/ I’ve done 30 Day Shred a couple of times and then I got sick with a bad head cold. I know I need to get back out there but just the thought of it was draining. I’m hoping to go for a short quick run tomorrow morning. I have a 5k on Thanksgviging that I want to do well in so this isn’t working. :p

  • Leanne @ Simplicitlee November 8, 2010, 3:18 pm

    I find since my 10km I haven’t been committed to any workout program.

    Its very frustrating 🙁

  • Mama Pea November 8, 2010, 3:19 pm

    I ran three miles today after four days off of exercise. I feel totally fine about that. 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat November 8, 2010, 3:22 pm

    Wow, those bars look great! When I’m in a post-race slump, I usually try to do some other form of exercise entirely – so that means not running. Usually I’ll spin, get on the elliptical, or the stair master –> which gets me even sweatier than running sometimes!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In November 8, 2010, 3:28 pm

    I totally know what you mean…no matter how far you’ve run before, 3 miles can still be HARD!!

    I just ran a half yesterday, and I’m hoping I don’t slump. Once my legs are ready I’m still craving long runs!

  • Jaclyn November 8, 2010, 3:39 pm

    3 miles is far, hollah!!!
    I still can’t believe you did a MARATHON, you’re crazy! 😉

    I love cashews. I may need to try this recipe. Hope you have a good week caitlin!

  • Joanna November 8, 2010, 3:39 pm

    Yes respect the distance! I just ran my first 3 miles since coming back from an ankle injury and I am damn proud of it. I worked hard for those 3, thank you very much 🙂

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) November 8, 2010, 3:47 pm

    It literally took my body a month to recover after my marathon. I didn’t run at all for the week following my marathon and from there it was a very gradual progression to get back to where I was before. I probably didn’t start feeling okay until about two weeks afterward.

  • Halie November 8, 2010, 3:48 pm

    3 miles is awesome! Whenever I get a moment to myself to get in some exercise, I’m thankful to even get to 1 mile! But I usually push myself to at least 3 and I’m happy!

  • Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) November 8, 2010, 3:51 pm

    Yep, running any distance is hard work and something to be proud of. Well done for listening to your body and not doing too much. Anne’s bars look delish!

  • Nadine November 8, 2010, 3:55 pm

    I had a strange experience when I finished my first half marathon this Spring. When I crossed the finish line, I expected to feel like Rocky running up the art museum steps. Instead I felt like Rocky knocked me out, and I would have been OK with laying on the timing mat for the rest of the day. It took some to time for the accompishment to settle in. It also took quite a while for the love of running to return. But it’s baaaaaaack, and hearing about all the finishers in the ING NYC marathon makes me think some day….. But first, I need a few more halfs under my belt!

  • Kiran November 8, 2010, 3:55 pm

    Instead of running, I am struggling in yoga. I hope I can get back to some shape and peace soon 🙂 It’s all about determination.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) November 8, 2010, 3:56 pm

    I completely agree that running ANY distance is one for which we should be proud of!

  • kathleen November 8, 2010, 3:59 pm

    When i get into a running slump, I go for a trail run. It’s hard to stay motivated when you are pounding the same pavement day in and day out. Running in nature reconnects me with why I love to run. Being outside in nature, the meditative aspect of listening to your breathe and cadence. Maybe it would help?

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:13 pm

      That’s a good idea. I love running outside. I need to explore the trails in Charlotte more – I haven’t gone off road in so long.

  • kelly November 8, 2010, 3:59 pm

    I’m running my first 5k in 2 weeks, so thanks for saying that 3 miles is a long distance! I sometimes feel like such an amateur when I read about everyone’s marathons!! 🙂

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie November 8, 2010, 4:00 pm

    Thank you for saying that.

    Three miles definitely feels far to me (which I usually tell myself is just because I don’t run often enough). But any distance run at a challenging pace for you is a challenge!

  • Tara November 8, 2010, 4:03 pm

    Hi Caitlin – I ran the NYC Marathon yesterday and am now trying to listen to my body about what to do and when. I barely made it out of bed to get to work! I feel better than I did after my first marathon, but navigating the subway stairs still almost killed me. I can’t believe you went out to parties after your marathon and went on a bike ride the next day! My legs are yelling at me right now.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:12 pm

      Congrats on your marathon!

  • Jazz November 8, 2010, 4:06 pm

    Ugh! I’m glad you posted this, sometimes I feel like a terrible runner after getting tired from a 5k! Glad to know even the pro’s feel it!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:12 pm

      Hahah I am always tired after running a 5K! That’s a long ass way.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing November 8, 2010, 4:14 pm

    I went through a major post race slump following my first half this fall (actually, I’m still going through it!). I was super intense about working out all summer but now that the race is over I feel burned out. I don’t think that it’s a problem – I believe as long as you are active, you should just do what you feel like and really enjoy :).

  • Camille November 8, 2010, 4:14 pm

    After marathons I find that I am pretty slow for a good week or 2. After that my endurance slowly starts coming back. Don’t rush it!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life November 8, 2010, 4:18 pm

    3 miles IS far! I agree. I always think about that stuff when I’m driving. Just keep listening to your body and you’ll know what to do and not to do. Going to vote for you now!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:11 pm

      I always think of it when driving too.

  • Amy B @ Second City Randomness November 8, 2010, 4:30 pm

    You’re totally right- 3 miles is no joke. I think sometimes we’re a little jaded in the blogger world because of all the people who are constantly in training.

    As I was visiting my friends after the 15k I did this weekend, I was talking about how I was knocking my running down to maybe 3 or 4 miles at a time for a little while.

    They thought I was crazy… he he he

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) November 8, 2010, 4:32 pm

    I know what you mean- 3 miles is still a long way! I agree with other commenters that it seems like less in the blogger world because everyone seems to be training for long distances. But good luck, and I hope your running endurance returns soon! 🙂
    By the way, the constant reminders to vote are good- I’ve been voting but without the reminders would probably forget to keep doing it! So keep it up! 😀

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous November 8, 2010, 4:43 pm

    Sorry you’re in a slump! I’m sure you’ll crave those long distance runs again soon 🙂

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe November 8, 2010, 5:13 pm

    Thanks for saying that 3 miles is long! I’m still at the point where 3 miles is a great accomplishment and longer distances seem intimidating. I’m proud of my 3 miles!

  • Shannon @ Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy November 8, 2010, 5:26 pm

    Way to log the miles post marathon! I agree 3 miles is long! Hopefully shorter runs and lots of yoga will heal your body up in no time!

  • Margaret November 8, 2010, 5:29 pm

    I have been very motivated to exercise lately but that because I am not at all motivated to do anything law school related.

    I know some people clean instead of study but I will always choose the gym.

    I voted today. (:

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:08 pm

      school comes first! take some time for yourself though, too!

      thanks for voting!

  • Jeni Wood November 8, 2010, 6:01 pm

    I totally understand the distance thing. I ran 5 miles today and my calves feel nearly the same as the did after the half marathon! I’m definitely glad I got out there though.

  • Tiffinie November 8, 2010, 6:12 pm

    I totally had that feeling after my marathon at the end of September! I have always loved to workout and be active, and after my race I was just kind of “over it!” It has now started to come back, and I can workout in a different way like more weights and classes at my gym! I too ran a half marathon 3 weeks after my marathon – I’m glad I’m not the only crazy one 🙂

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks November 8, 2010, 6:14 pm

    “I don’t care how many 10Ks or Half Marathons or even full Marathons that I do, 3.0 miles is still a pretty far way to run.”

    Reading that made me so happy. Still struggling to break that 5K distance, but at least I can run 5K! If you had told me a year ago that I would’ve run two 5K races and be signed up for a third I’da told you to get outta town. Even with just my 5Ks, I’m still pretty badass! 😉

  • Becky November 8, 2010, 6:18 pm

    I love this post. I ran 2 miles for the first time in a really long time tonight. I was slow as molasses but I did it. I mostly did it because you always say that it doesn’t matter whether you run one mile or 20, it’s an accomplishment worth celebrating. Thanks for keeping it real.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 7:06 pm

      Thank YOU for keepin’ it real, too. WTG on 2.0!

  • Madeline @ greensandjeans November 8, 2010, 6:32 pm

    After my first marathon a month ago I got a new job, moved across
    the county, and have been traveling like a mad woman for said new job. It has been a bit of a struggle to find my “new” normal when it comes to working out and eating, and I think I need to sign up for another race to help keep me on track!

  • LindseyAnn November 8, 2010, 6:52 pm

    OK, thank you for this post. I was feeling down on myself for only going 3 miles today, but not anymore!
    Im still slumping a bit from my half–I miss being able to say that I’m specifically training for a certain race. I also have marathon fever like most women my age seem to be having baby fever, so I don’t think that’s helping my cause at the moment.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 6:55 pm

      oh i understand marathon fever.

  • sara November 8, 2010, 6:54 pm

    running longer distances makes me appreciate a 4 mile run or going out for a half hour. Training for long races has made me recognize and remember why I run and all of the great things it bring me. Great post! I think it is totally normal to just take some time off.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss November 8, 2010, 7:11 pm

    Yes! It is far!! Especially if you’re sprinting the whole way during a 5K..it’s tough!! Glad you posted this, I started to feel bad after hearing about all these marathons and people running tons of miles with (seemingly) ease.

  • Ali November 8, 2010, 7:13 pm

    I ran my first marathon on October 17th…since then I’ve definitely had a hard time getting motivated to run/workout. I’m actually just starting to get back in the swing of things, finally!

  • Emilie November 8, 2010, 7:26 pm

    You know whats really throwing me off, it’s the time change. I woke up yesterday and today COMPLETELY disoriented.. which is strange for me, because I usually pop awake and start answering email like nothing. All day today my body felt all sluggish and weird. Various Co-workers also commented to me on feeling slow today.

  • heidi @ runaroundaroo November 8, 2010, 8:00 pm

    Three miles is three miles…it is better than zero miles and at the end of the marathon the last three miles took FOREVER! You went out and moved the body…kudos!

    And keep posting the voting reminder! I’d forget otherwise, its a great reminder!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey November 8, 2010, 8:25 pm

    I sometimes feel like 3 miles is harder than 6 or 7. It just seems so LONG.

  • katie November 8, 2010, 9:23 pm

    im always in a slump around this time because of it being so dark in the AM before work. i got out of it by signing up for a half marathon in january

  • Ali W November 8, 2010, 11:06 pm

    love this post and thank you so much for writing it! its amazing how sometimes long runs seem effortless yet the short runs are so rough. i actually think i like my long runs better cause it always takes me a few miles to really get into my stride and feel comfortable so 3 mile runs are some of my least fun because i don’t really feel good until the very end. i also feel like i have to go faster on shorter runs, but i’m really trying to be be better at listening to my body and taking it easier when i know i should. i also think about running the same distance when i’m driving in a car and it definitely makes it feel like more an accomplishment no matter the distance.

    oh and i really hope i don’t start to fall into a slump right now cause i’m running the thunder road 1/2 marathon in a month 🙂

    • Caitlin November 9, 2010, 9:09 am

      we’re going to do so great at thunder road!

  • maya @ finding balance in tokyo November 9, 2010, 1:04 am

    5k is hard. No matter how much I run, I still struggle with that distance.

    I’m also post-race slump after running a 10k a few weeks back. It makes me feel a little off, but I’m trying to use the opportunity to catch up on all the yoga and strength training that I missed out on when I was training for the run. I’m being careful to run at least 1-2 times week anyway, so I don’t lose too much endurance. Hopefully my running mojo will come back before too long!

  • michelle November 9, 2010, 5:28 am

    Don’t call it a slump and don’t feel bad about it. What’s the use of feeling bad about it? It’s called RECOVERY! Take the time. Your body knows what’s best. After my first marathon I just couldn’t run another step. I was totally burned out. I was worried as I was signed up for a half a month after it. I think I logged a total of 13 miles TOTAL in that mont (I did yoga/spinning/swimming instead). I ran my best and most fun half ever. I was not stressed about time as I didn’t officially “train” for it. My running buddies called it a rather long taper. 🙂

    Your body knows distance races so taking a looooong taper won’t hurt ya. 🙂

  • Lori November 9, 2010, 11:27 am

    Thanks so much for the reminders to vote in the Amway Positivity Project. I’m happy to vote every day, but I need that reminder! 🙂

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