I was supposed to run 5 miles at an 11 minute/mile pace. Instead, I “ran” 3 miles at a 13 mile pace.

I felt super lethargic. Legs felt heavy. Breathing was rough. I had to walk more in this run than in any previous run.

Training had been going so good. Why did this run go so bad? Unfortunately, the answer is super clear.

I ate fast food the night before.
I did not get enough sleep.
I ate pizza for lunch.
I did not drink enough water during the day.
I haven’t been stretching.
I overdressed. The temperature was too high at the time of my run for sweats and a long-sleeved shirt.

The above is a recipe for disaster. As I walked the rest of the way home, after completing the 3 miles, I was reminded of a very sobering principle, I hope stays at the forefront of my mind for the foreseeable future…

PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE.