Last week, I had a few really junky runs. Sluggish, trudging, blaaaahhh kinds of runs. Then on Sunday, a friend and I whomped out a lovely, awesome, super incredible no-way-could-it-have-gone-better twenty-one miles. And today, my four miles sucked.
Yes, it was later (and thus, hotter) than when I usually go, I was getting hungry (breakfast had worn off), something had made me annoyed just beforehand, and yes I realize I'm still recovering from Sunday. But really. Blergh. I've already decided I'm consoling myself with a glass of wine tonight.
One thing I have def learned this time around training for a full is what a recovery run feels like. It is not pleasant. Even if its 'only' 4-6 miles. Sounds like you had a similar experience today but its getting your body ready to handle the rest of the week at the paces you need to hit.
I have to agree--you ran 21 great miles! You have done this before and you can do it again. Recovery runs (from what I hear) will most likely suck. You have been training and working your body on this for quite awhile, you are bound to have some icky runs, especially towards the end of training.
I had the same thing happen this weekend - only 1/3 of your long run My 7 miles went great - I felt awesome, fast, etc. Next day I think oh easy 4 no prob. I was 45 seconds per mile SLOWER than the long run. Sweet.
same for me this morning - had an awesome 15 miler on Saturday, and wanted to knock out an *easy* 7 miler this morning. It was humid, hot - and the 7 miles felt like it took a LOT longer than the 15 mile run.