The Biggest Mistake a Runner Can Make

What is the biggest mistake a runner can make, you ask? 

Well, today I made it. 

Not listening to your body. 

I went out for an hour-long run this morning. After a week of not running due to my achilles tendonitis, I was so thrilled to get out and run with the sunrise. I felt fantastic - for about ten minutes. Then my achilles felt... slightly irritated. 

I emphasized slightly because it really was just that. I thought to myself "maybe I should just go a half an hour today and turn around?"... But no. The training schedule said an hour. It was beautiful out. I had a whole river loop planned. So I kept going. 

Needless to say, by the end of my run, I was not doing well. 

I went to my trainer. He yelled at me. 

I really should have known better. But it's so hard. I feel like I'm getting behind. My coach has been out of town and we won't have practice all of Christmas break, so we are just supposed to follow a training schedule. But I can't even do that. 

For anyone who knows me, this is the hardest thing. If my training schedule said to wake up at three a.m. and go run twenty miles followed by three hours of push ups, I would do it. (I exaggerate, but you get the point). 

I feel so... weak. So helpless. So... out of control. 

The worst part is, it's my fault. Because I didn't listen to my body today. 

But it's okay. I guess I'll just go back to biking tomorrow. I have to simulate a hill workout... so it will be an intense session!!!

Any other athletes understand what I'm talking about? 

Any non athletes that have had similar experiences out there? 

I'd love to hear your advice.