Where did my stamina go?

Hey there all! Thanks for visiting today. Not only do I have the post for you below but I’m also guest posting on Running on Happy today! So go check out my post From the Race Director’s Chair over on her blog, after you read mine! AND welcome any Running on Happy readers!

So the definition of Stamina according to Dictionary.com is

If you ask Google endurance vs. stamina the response you get is:

The two words can be used interchangeably. They both mean “staying power.” However, stamina is more often associated with athletic power, the ability to run long distances, for instance, while endurance is associated with the ability to withstand hardship or suffering.

What I’m really working on these days is stamina. I’ve finished 3 marathons, I know I can do it, but can’t I do it well or better? I also didn’t realize that it would get harder as I lost weight. The weather here finally has become amazing running weather and I went out on Tuesday. My watch was clocking 11:30 but I couldn’t maintain it. It’s like my legs can do it now but my chest can’t seem to keep up.

I’ve been running 1:1 intervals. I’m starting to go to 2:1 to try and lengthen my running time vs walking time. This stuff is harder than it looks. My gate has changed, as well as my turnover. It’s like I’m finding my natural pace all over again.

Do they warn you about these things? Anyone else have/had this issue? Any suggestions out there?