A run is sometimes all we really need. It may be something else for you (yoga, meditation, cycling, strength training), but essentially hitting the re-set button with a good workout is just what we need.
I hadn’t run in a couple days, taking Sunday and Monday off and my 14 mile run on Saturday wasn’t at the pace I would have liked… the legs just weren’t into it. I was hoping to get a good run at “marathon pace” (around 8:30/mile) as a warm-up for Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego in a couple weeks.
Tuesday arrived with some normal “work stuff” and I saw a couple things on social media that just frustrated me. I’m not going to go into details, but I just needed to throw on my shoes and go for a run.
7.25 miles of running with “aggression”
Mile 1: 10:27 (busy city street w/ stop lights).
Mile 2-5: 7:06, 7:16, 7:05, 7:09, 7:11
Mile 7: 9:03 (return trip on that busy street).
.25 cool down
I was clearly working on some things with those middle miles. I don’t run that fast. A quick mile for me is around 7:30 and those are usually sparatic. It was a windy day in San Francisco (go figure) and some segments of those miles were INTO the wind. On a calm day, I would be surprised if some of those ended up being sub-7.
For context, any combo of those 5 mi. would be a 5k PR.
Obviously, this didn’t resolve any of my “frustrations,” but I was sure glad to take advantage and get in some speed work. I’m supposed to be tapering and I know @MissZippy1 would highly disapprove of my pace, but sometimes I just need to run. Know what I’m saying?!?!
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Do you ever have any “aggressive” work outs?
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Aggressive work outs are the BEST WORK OUTS!!! I find when I am angry, super excited or happy, I have the best work outs because it pumps up my energy and endorphins! I am literally COASTING through my work outs!!! :D So getting good news in the AM is great… When I am feeling a bit agitated yet know I have a grasp on things, work outs can also be good – because I am just blowing off steam!
Working out is serious therapy for me! lol
I love it when my emotions drive my work out. N matter how stressed I am or how frustrated I get, running always provides me the outlet and the salvation I need. I say all they time that running has made me a far nicer person because all of my aggression comes out in the effort I put forth in my run and usually I am able to find a resolution to whatever is bugging me too! The major difference is that if I ran a 7 minutes mile it would surely be followed by sudden death and not 5 more miles!!!
Ooooooooooooohh I needed to read this post today. Thanks PR!
For the past few weeks I’ve had more “need to run” days than ever. Squashing the stress feels so good!
me
weights
GETTING OUT AGGRESSION?
=
BLISS.
Ha, ha! Nope, I don’t disapprove…you just ran a tempo run. Just tell me that your next run was an easy run and all will be fine! ; )
been there, done that, guilty. but felt so good, mentally
running does feel good after a bad day – def an awesome way to get that aggression out!
PS: i hope you have a better day today :) :) xoxo
I did some aggression running myself last week haha. I feel you!
I agree, it was a TEMPO [aggression] run! ;) It needs to happen sometimes and sure beats a bottle of Bourbon!
Definitely weights! I get to rep it out!
Hope all is okay! Sending a FUFACE your way :0
I make sure I hit the gym after work because the stress can cause some frustrations, and I can take it out on the treadmill. It just feels good to have this kind of workout, and helps clear my head before I go home.
Woah, speedy!! Definitely know what you mean about aggression… emotions can certainly fuel fast paces. If only we could channel them into race day!
It would be amazing if we could channel it on race day! Yes, I’ve had aggressive runs after bad days at work, or other stressors in life
Sometimes those aggression runs where you’re getting something out turn out to be the best runs. I’m glad you were able to use running as your coping! I look forward to getting back into my running shoes and out the door.
Man, you must’ve been FURIOUS! I’ve had a few angry runs before, yes, but I got winded far faster than you did.
Been there and 99.9% of the time they turn out to be the best workouts both mentally and physically. Hope today is a better one for you!
Those kinds of workouts are definitely necessary from time to time. While they may not solve anything getting stuff out that way is good. Hope things are better now.
I hope your having a better day today. Even though it sucks to go through some frustrating emotions, it’s nice when we can find the silver lining. Way to rock those miles!
those are some crazy splits going on!!
WOW! You are a speed!!!
Wow way to lay it all out there! Any time I have something mental I go run. More times than not it helps me feel better but it’s also more times than not a pretty bad ass pace. And I don’t know about you, but no matter how bad of a mood I’m in – if I see 7’s on my Garmin, I tend to perk up a little.