Back in the saddle again...

OK, back on the horse today.  4.71 miles.  My legs felt less mushy but, thanks to my lack of brilliance and not stretching for several days, I was tight!  It's good to run.  Even when it doesn't feel amazing.  Off to work.  Maybe tomorrow will be a blissed out, floaty kind of day. 

My name is Paula and I'm a run/blogaholic

It's been 3 weeks since I last posted!  There have been ups and downs, been up mountain high (literally and figuratively) and down to the dregs of my energy level.  
Since I last checked in, I ran 63.2 miles over 2 weeks and decided to take this week off.  What you say?  a week off???  Me?  Yes.  
After reaching 27 miles including some serious hills the first week of Aug.,  I dropped back to 24.8 miles due to sore legs.  That did not help.  By week's end, I dragged myself through an 8 mile run with Julie W. who's in a Triathlon Aug 27th in Santa Barbara (Website):  http://www.santabarbaratriathlon.com/noHeader/Index.cfm. Check it out.  Go Julie!!!
I was so frustrated because I really believe I'm putting in the work consistently.  Instead of floating through that run, I was dragging by mile 4.   Julie was sailing along after a training brick the day before.  She's one tough lady! 
Apparently, I'm not.  My legs were just jelly and I felt defeated.  So, I started thinking...and resting. 
I'm sure there are several reasons for my lack of performance but I've narrowed it down to a few...

1. I'm too old and can't handle the mileage.  
2. I've started picking up my pace too much and it's burning up my legs.
3. I work too much.
4. I have a yet undiscovered rare disease that is rearing it's ugly head.
5. Aliens are sucking my energy at night.

I'm a horrible hypochondriac whenever I feel even a little off.  No worries on the disease... I think.  Of all the above potential problems it's probably #2...and a bit of 3.  The truth is building mileage is hard and it feels like it.  After putting in a few solid weeks, I realized I've been under-trained for many of the races I've done.  In a way it's a good thing.  There is still room for me to improve and with a little tweaking, build up that mileage.
So, have I slipped into Dabbler Territory?  No, I think not.  I'm feeling a bit more refreshed.   I may even cut this week off a little short and go running today.  On that note, toodles for now!