Hard to believe that we’re at the end of another month already! Marcia has opened the runfessional and I’ve got a few things to share, so let’s get started, shall we?
October Runfessions
Now that I have the Detroit virtual half marathon behind me, I runfess that I am seriously questioning my decision to commit to the BAA virtual half. While I’ve been enjoying my running, motivating to run 13.1 miles is still a challenge.
I runfess that I have fully embraced using 4:1 intervals – they were key to getting me through my virtual half and I’m now thinking that I may just stick with them indefinitely.
It’s probably no surprise that I am loving my new Peloton bike – but I runfess that I’m loving it so much that I’m struggling a bit to find a balance between wanting to do all the rides and running.
These initial rides on the bike have been fun, but I runfess (bike-fess?) that they can also be very humbling. I had presumed that I’d be able to just dive into the classes. So after a couple of “beginner” classes, I decided to jump into the non-beginner Alicia Keys class, which would have been fine if I didn’t let my ego get in the way and just rode hard…within reason. But I didn’t – instead, I pushed to keep up with the suggested cadence and resistance. I was hanging on until the instructor called for us to get out of the saddle…yeah no. I tried and that lasted a hot minute. Note to self, those beginner classes are there for a reason!
So tell me, do you have any runfessions to share?
I feel you on the half marathon distance! I have one virtual half left for the year, that TT I always do in November after Thanksgiving. I don’t feel as motivated since it’s virtual. You are right, 13.1 is a far distance! I think I’ll just do it at my own pace, taking my time and enjoying the ride.
Wendy recently posted…Spooky Runfessions
I think your plan is the right one – I certainly won’t be “racing” mine.
I’d have a hard time doing a double digit run by myself, but if the weather cooperates it could be a great run. 😉 LOL on the Peloton classes. I’ve heard others say some of the cadence/resistance combinations are unrealistic. I know in my indoor cycling classes I was usually at least 10 rpm below what the instructor called out.
I just kinda had to laugh at myself during that ride 🙂 Like everything, you really just have to find a pace that works for you.
I am loving the 4:1 intervals as well seems to be my happy spot! OH the bike classes are addictive and can be humbling as well. I consider myself a pretty accomplished cycler and some classes I am way at the bottom of the leaderboard. I am not always able to do both the cadence and the resistance goals. Just have fun and enjoy it! 🙂
Yep that’s my plan, just have fun and enjoy 🙂
That’s the biggest issue with Peloton – because there are so many different types of classes, it’s hard to find a balance. I try to plan out my workouts for the week on Sundays to make sure I’m getting a good balance of everything.
Sticking with the 4:1 intervals sounds like a good plan for your upcoming virtual half marathon. It’s all about finishing the run safely!
Absolutely – goal number 1 is to finish without injury!
I’ve been planning out my workouts too – there are just so many classes I want to take right now!
I runfess I can’t remember the last half I ran. I have no interest anymore in running that long. I think the London Marathon was my last long race. Have fun with your Peloton! I’m sure you’ll be past the beginner stage in no time.
Honestly, I think once I complete the BAA it could be a while before I see double digits again!
Way to go on the cycling! I’ve heard those classes are tough. I’m curios if I could hold my own or not..I’ve been on the bike a lot this year, but not many of my rides I’d consider as being comparable to an actual class.
I bet with all of the cycling you’ve been doing you’d do great with these classes!
One thing I don’t like about Peloton, and I do think about this a lot actually, is that the suggestions for paces (runs, my stationary bike doesn’t have all those bells & whistles), are for faster runners for the most part.
I understand that they’re trying to reach out to the majority, and I really don’t know what the answer is, but as a slower runner — if I’d tried to keep up as a beginner in a beginner 5k program — I would’ve been frustrated or injured. Luckily I know enough to adjust it to myself.
I considered the BAA Virtual for a hot minute. Way too much $$ for me for a virtual race!
I had the same thought when I first started the Peloton runs – could definitely be tricky for a new runner who doesn’t know how to go at their own pace. Their definition of “beginner” in general seems to be more advanced.
I’m pretty much over the long runs. I still have at least one virtual half marathon to do, but I really have zero interest in actually doing it. Heck, I’m having a hard time getting motivated to do a 10k…
MCM Mama recently posted…October Visit to the Runfessional: Exhaustion
Yeah I’m pretty certain my virtual half will barely resemble a training run.
I never took a Peloton class, but my first few spin classes were beyond humbling. The day II could finally stand up on the bike was the biggest victory ever. I miss spin, but I don’t know that I am ready for a Peloton.
Standing for more than half a second is definitely going to feel like a big win for me!
I did one virtual half this spring. It was my only option when the real life half I signed up for was canceled. I couldn’t get excited about doing it. It actually just felt like another training run to me and I didn’t do it at race pace.
I love your Peloton bikefession. I am sure I would have the exact same attitude as you do! 🙂
Laurie recently posted…Three October Runfessions
Oh yes, I can relate – my Detroit virtual half was really just a long training run. I really miss the camaraderie of in-person races.
I runfess that doing 2 halfs 2 weeks apart was 2 much for me! Part of me thinks that I should forget the half and stick to 10k’s, and of course the rest of me cannot wait to run another half…we’ll see.
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I don’t know how you did 2 halfs in 2 weeks?! Amazing 🙂
I understand what you mean about the bike and trying to find balance. I often get like that too, especially in the winter. As much as I love running outdoors, once I start riding my indoor bike or using the treadmill, it’s sort of a slippery slope and that becomes all I want to do….lol -M
LOL I know what you mean 😉
Glad the 4:1 intervals are working well! I can’t believe how hard the Peloton classes…who are these athletes on the leaderboards?? Nuts.
Yeah I definitely wonder about who those people are at the top of the leaderboard!
I’ve found I’m happy in the 7-9 mile place but I am glad I don’t have a Half until Feb (if it goes forward) because I can’t get my head mentally past 10 miles. I know I’ll get there.. eventually
Glad you’re relatively enjoying the Peloton.
Cari recently posted…a year ago I became a marathoner
Honestly that 7 – 9 mile zone is usually where I’m happiest. I need serious motivation to crossover into double-digit land.