Saturday I ran the See Spot Run for Humanity 5k. Nothing fancy about it. Just a fun, local race in which participants are encouraged to run with their dogs. I did not. I'm way too competitive to be running and have to stop and wait on a dog to poop. Sorry, maybe another year. Anyway, the course is flat, fast and easy to set a new PR on. Sometimes.
Last year at this race I set a 5k PR and placed 2nd in my AG. I won a hammer. (I thought it was an odd award, too, but then realized the race benefited Habitat for Humanity.) This year I did not set a new PR, but I did place 2nd in my AG again. And won another hammer. However, I REALLY wanted that sub 23 minute 5k! I didn't improve my time AT ALL from two months ago, which is really frustrating. I don't like to make excuses, but will admit there were factors. 1. I had been under the weather (was still feeling pretty snotty and weak at the race.) 2. It was humid and muggy. Those two things don't really scream "PR." With those factors in play, I can see why I didn't improve. And I'm okay with knowing it wasn't because my legs weren't ready to handle it or mentally I wasn't ready, because I was. I can replay each mile in my head and think of ways I could have run (ran?) differently - smarter, but I really don't think I could have run any differently. I even had to stop a few times, and I think I've only stopped during a 5k one other time. And that was because of hills. You don't have time to stop if you are aiming for a sub 23 minute 5k. At least I don't.
I have been working on speed for about two months, but I don't feel like I've been consistent with it, and I don't feel like I've pushed myself hard enough. I feel like I've given up too easily at times. I've got to learn to suck it up, even if it is hot as balls outside. Speed work is hard, but it's a different kind of hard when you're running in humidity. I always forget it takes awhile for my body to acclimate to Tennessee humidity. We pretty much go from 0% humidity to 80% instantly. It's not fun. But I know if I can average 7:20-7:30 race pace in the blazing heat that when fall comes it will start to become an easier pace - boosting my race pace up once again. When that happens it just makes me feel so much better about my running. I want to be able to keep improving my speed. I know I still have a lot of room to grow - as long as I put the work into it.
I'm not giving up on that sub 23, I know I have it in me. I'm running another 5k in June. I have no idea if I'll be any faster in a month, because the humidity is going to be even worse. I won't beat myself up if I don't meet my goal then. I'll just keep moving it forward.
However...
I'm also really excited to start working towards a new half marathon PR. I haven't been running any long distances since March, so to start back into that will be exciting. I don't know what I'm going to be capable of come October, but my big goal that I want to work towards is sub 1:50, which would be an 8 min PR in 7 months. It's not going to be easy, but I've got to get out of my comfort zone if I want to see a major jump like that. The question is, am I ready to work for it?
And of course, the age old Marathon debate is still up in the air. The more and more I think about it, the more I think this could be the year...
I'll let ya know :)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
20 Things I've Learned as a Runner
Not sure why, but over half of these thoughts ran through my head during my easy 4 mile run today, so I thought I'd jot them down. The fact that I remembered them is even more impressive.
20 Things I've learned as a Runner:
1. It's normal to have to use the restroom 40 times before a race. If you think you have to go, you do. If you don't think you have to go, you do.
2. When running/racing, don't start off in a sprint. Unless you are running a 400 meter sprint.
3. You're probably going to bite the dust at least once while running. It's okay, nobody saw you. Except the five cars that drove by. And that cyclist. And three other runners.
4. It's okay to slow down and take a break if you have to. Just don't make it a 10 minute break. That's called stopping.
5. Cut corners on the race course.
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Do this BEFORE you run. It's too late if you wait until you're actually running.
7. Bad runs happen; good runs happen. But it's the great runs that remind you how much you love to run. And they also make up for the bad ones.
8. Running in 50 degree weather is ten times easier than running in 90.
9. Wear a headlamp when you run in the dark. There are sticks that look like snakes, leaves that look like frogs, and deer that look like deer. And trust me, they will dart out in front of you. Those sticks are everywhere.
10. Listen to your body. If you need to rest, rest; if you need to take it slow, take it slow. Injuries happen, it doesn't mean you will never run again.
11. Keep up with the mileage on your shoes. Take advantage of buying new ones!
20 Things I've learned as a Runner:
1. It's normal to have to use the restroom 40 times before a race. If you think you have to go, you do. If you don't think you have to go, you do.
2. When running/racing, don't start off in a sprint. Unless you are running a 400 meter sprint.
3. You're probably going to bite the dust at least once while running. It's okay, nobody saw you. Except the five cars that drove by. And that cyclist. And three other runners.
4. It's okay to slow down and take a break if you have to. Just don't make it a 10 minute break. That's called stopping.
5. Cut corners on the race course.
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Do this BEFORE you run. It's too late if you wait until you're actually running.
7. Bad runs happen; good runs happen. But it's the great runs that remind you how much you love to run. And they also make up for the bad ones.
8. Running in 50 degree weather is ten times easier than running in 90.
9. Wear a headlamp when you run in the dark. There are sticks that look like snakes, leaves that look like frogs, and deer that look like deer. And trust me, they will dart out in front of you. Those sticks are everywhere.
10. Listen to your body. If you need to rest, rest; if you need to take it slow, take it slow. Injuries happen, it doesn't mean you will never run again.
11. Keep up with the mileage on your shoes. Take advantage of buying new ones!
Like these pretty thangs:
12. Don't compare your success with the success of other runners. Every runner is different. This is a biggie for me. I am constantly reminding myself that I didn't run in high school; I didn't run in college. I've only been running for two years; I'm still new to this. I still have lots of room to improve. I can't look at someone else's running success and think, "Wow! I wish I was as fast as them!" when they've been running for 13 years. Patience is key.
13. Foam rollers are evil. But they hurt so good!
14. STRETCH! Like, really stretch. Don't just reach down and touch your toes.
15. Holding your arm up above your head will not help find GPS satellites any faster.
16. Don't let anyone ever tell you can't run a certain distance or pace. That's never happened to me (and for that I'm grateful), but I know people who HAVE had it said to them and that strikes a nerve.
17. You don't need music to run 13 miles. Try it sometime. Or every time, like I do.
18. Everyone needs a running buddy. Whether it's one who is physically by your side when you need them (my husband!) or a virtual running buddy (my RunChat folks!)
19. You don't need to run with a water bottle, a fuel belt, or one of those hydration backpack things every. time. you. go. for. a. run.
20. Set your goals high. Train hard, race hard, achieve your goals. Then repeat. Probably one of my favorite things about being a runner.
I could have titled this, "100 Things I've Learned as a Runner" and I would have had no problem listing 80 more, but my adult ADD is kicking in, and I'm hungry. Maybe I'll continue it in another blog some day.
What are some things you've learned as a runner? Are any similar to these? How long have you been running?
Friday, April 5, 2013
Running Rut
I'm finding myself in a "running rut." This has happened before, usually right after a big race, when I don't have anything else to train for, or after being injured. And I hate it. It makes me feel inadequate as a runner.
I don't know if it's because:
A.) I don't have a training plan right now.
B.) I don't have any upcoming races.
C.) I'm on spring break.
D.) I got spoiled with my week off from running (and want to keep it going.)
E.) I started Crossfit this week, and I'm sore and tired.
F.) I'm just making excuses and being lazy.
EFF! All of those factors are the cause in one way or another. But that doesn't make them reasonable excuses. If you call yourself a runner, then you run. It's as simple as that. Or at least it should be. You don't come up with 6 different excuses why you "don't want to run."
That's a positive attitude to have! But I'm not there right now. Remember, I'm in a "running rut."
I'm not good at running without a training plan; without a goal in mind. So how do I get out of this "running rut"? Decide on a plan. Duh. Well, I'll decide on a broad plan. Chris can work out the specifics ;).
All six excuses aside, this is what I want to work on right now:
But for right now I'm going to enjoy the last few days of my spring break. I'm going to run the miles I want, when I want. I'm going to go outside and read. I'm going to clean and organize. I'm going to get my classroom back in order for next week. I'm going to catch up with some friends. I'm going to spend time with my husband. I'm going to enjoy myself.
And I'm going to get out of my running rut and run. Tomorrow. Promise. :)
This pretty much sums up my post. It's a saying that is on the back of the shirts at the Crossfit gym Chris and I go to.
I don't know if it's because:
A.) I don't have a training plan right now.
B.) I don't have any upcoming races.
C.) I'm on spring break.
D.) I got spoiled with my week off from running (and want to keep it going.)
E.) I started Crossfit this week, and I'm sore and tired.
F.) I'm just making excuses and being lazy.
EFF! All of those factors are the cause in one way or another. But that doesn't make them reasonable excuses. If you call yourself a runner, then you run. It's as simple as that. Or at least it should be. You don't come up with 6 different excuses why you "don't want to run."
That's a positive attitude to have! But I'm not there right now. Remember, I'm in a "running rut."
I'm not good at running without a training plan; without a goal in mind. So how do I get out of this "running rut"? Decide on a plan. Duh. Well, I'll decide on a broad plan. Chris can work out the specifics ;).
All six excuses aside, this is what I want to work on right now:
- Speed work. I want to get faster. Doesn't everyone? I want to try and knock off even more time for a 5k in May. Even though I KNOW it's much more difficult to knock off time in a 5k than it is a half marathon. That's okay, the end result is worth it. And if I put in the work I'll be happy with the results.
- My next BIG goal for a 13.1 is 1:50 (or maybe sub?), which will be a 7 or 8 min PR. I know that's a HUGE stretch, but I want a goal that I have to work hard for. I don't want a goal that's easily attainable. Where's the fun in that? And with the correct amount of training I know I can do it (as long as I don't get injured this time!), even if I don't get it on the first try, which will probably be in October, or whenever the Middle Half is scheduled for. I know I'll at least set a new PR. And that's progress.
- Running for the sake of enjoying it; Running as a stress reliever; Running to clear my mind; Running with no pace or distance in mind, which is difficult for me to do.
That's it. Nothing fancy.
But for right now I'm going to enjoy the last few days of my spring break. I'm going to run the miles I want, when I want. I'm going to go outside and read. I'm going to clean and organize. I'm going to get my classroom back in order for next week. I'm going to catch up with some friends. I'm going to spend time with my husband. I'm going to enjoy myself.
And I'm going to get out of my running rut and run. Tomorrow. Promise. :)
This pretty much sums up my post. It's a saying that is on the back of the shirts at the Crossfit gym Chris and I go to.
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What excuses have you made to get out of running/working out? Have you ever been in a "running rut"? If so, how did you get out of it?
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Crossfit Newbie
As I'm typing this I can't really feel my arms. I mean, I know they are there, because they are sore. But they can't move on their own, making it difficult to do normal, every day tasks like: wash my hair, brush my hair, lift a coffee cup, get dressed, etc. Basically anything that involves raising my arms higher than off the couch.
Why? Because today I went to my first Crossfit class!
It was a free class, which means anybody, at any kind of fitness level, could do the workout. They encourage anyone wanting to sign up to attend the free class. So that's what we did. My first initial thought before the workout? "Oh, this won't be too bad." My thought afterwards? "That was bad." You know the saying "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger"? Well, I'm pretty sure that was written with Crossfit in mind. I haven't lifted weights (unless you count babies and toddlers, which are excellent for weight lifting) since high school. 13 years to be specific. So this was completely new to me.
I've never been interested in doing Crossfit. I think it's fun (and funny) to watch the Crossfit games on t.v., because those people have super human strength, but I never thought I'd be interested in taking a class. So, of course, my first thought before going to the class was "yeah right, I can't do Crossfit. I can't throw a tire across the room!" (Which they don't make you do by the way.) I run, and I like to run. I know how to run. You just put on your shoes and go. It's easy.
But Crossfit...that's another kind of workout. You don't just put your shoes on and run. I can run for two hours, but a 15 min Crossfit workout will leave me on the floor. Literally.
And I liked it. My arms feel like rubber, but I liked it! I liked the intensity. I liked the competition. I liked the fast paced atmosphere.
Now, I don't know all the fancy Crossfit acronyms, and while normally I'd spend time searching them on Google, right now I'm not. My arms are being nice by even letting me hold my phone to type.
Here was our WOD (work out of the day - figured that one out myself!):
15 min AMRAP of (learned this one today! "As many rounds as possible"):
200m run
10 front squats (35 lbs)
20 hand release push ups
I did 3 rounds and 24 reps.
Not too shabby for having no upper body strength! Even though I left with less strength than I came with.
Anyway, we signed up for their two week On the Ramp class, which is five days. After that we decide if we want to stick with it. I think we will. We're stubborn that way.
I'm sure by this point in the post (if my husband reads this) he's saying "I told you so." Yeah, well, I'll let him bask in that, because I do think I'll like it. I'll like seeing the improvements - in Crossfit, but especially with my running.
Why? Because today I went to my first Crossfit class!
It was a free class, which means anybody, at any kind of fitness level, could do the workout. They encourage anyone wanting to sign up to attend the free class. So that's what we did. My first initial thought before the workout? "Oh, this won't be too bad." My thought afterwards? "That was bad." You know the saying "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger"? Well, I'm pretty sure that was written with Crossfit in mind. I haven't lifted weights (unless you count babies and toddlers, which are excellent for weight lifting) since high school. 13 years to be specific. So this was completely new to me.
I've never been interested in doing Crossfit. I think it's fun (and funny) to watch the Crossfit games on t.v., because those people have super human strength, but I never thought I'd be interested in taking a class. So, of course, my first thought before going to the class was "yeah right, I can't do Crossfit. I can't throw a tire across the room!" (Which they don't make you do by the way.) I run, and I like to run. I know how to run. You just put on your shoes and go. It's easy.
But Crossfit...that's another kind of workout. You don't just put your shoes on and run. I can run for two hours, but a 15 min Crossfit workout will leave me on the floor. Literally.
And I liked it. My arms feel like rubber, but I liked it! I liked the intensity. I liked the competition. I liked the fast paced atmosphere.
Now, I don't know all the fancy Crossfit acronyms, and while normally I'd spend time searching them on Google, right now I'm not. My arms are being nice by even letting me hold my phone to type.
Here was our WOD (work out of the day - figured that one out myself!):
15 min AMRAP of (learned this one today! "As many rounds as possible"):
200m run
10 front squats (35 lbs)
20 hand release push ups
I did 3 rounds and 24 reps.
Not too shabby for having no upper body strength! Even though I left with less strength than I came with.
Anyway, we signed up for their two week On the Ramp class, which is five days. After that we decide if we want to stick with it. I think we will. We're stubborn that way.
I'm sure by this point in the post (if my husband reads this) he's saying "I told you so." Yeah, well, I'll let him bask in that, because I do think I'll like it. I'll like seeing the improvements - in Crossfit, but especially with my running.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Growing as a Runner: What's Next?
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| See? Stopping my watch :). Ignore the time on the clock - that was for the 15k, but check out my AWESOMELY BRIGHT Saucony Kinvara 3 shoes! Love. |
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| My mother-in-law ran the 5k as well, and placed 1st in her AG! My husband ran the 15k, placing 6th overall and 1st in his AG!!! So Proud. |
Side note: I didn't catch that one girl, but I did place 3rd in my AG. :)
Anyway, now that I've accomplished that goal, it's got me thinking: What's next?
One of my favorite parts about racing is the fact that there is always room for improvement; there are always new goals to set, and accomplish, no matter how long (or not long) you've been running. I LOVE that! Right when I've accomplished one goal - no matter how long it takes to achieve it - I automatically feel the need to set a new goal and go after it. That's the stubbornness and competitiveness in me.
A lot has changed since I first started racing. I care more about setting smart, attainable race goals, and accomplishing them, than I do placing in my AG - something that I cared a lot about last year. Don't get me wrong, I still love getting an award, but I get much more satisfaction out of setting a new PR for myself than I do getting a medal or plaque.
Now it's time to slow it down a bit; take a step back, and look at what I've achieved, and what I want to work towards. Here are my plans and aspirations for now:
- Take 1 or 2 weeks off COMPLETELY. I've been battling off and on knee pain for nearly two months, and this will give my knee and hip and whatever else has been ailing me to completely heal and rest. Will probably work in some cross training, though.
- Speaking of cross training. Here's something new: Crossfit. Yeah. So, my husband and I are planning on taking a Crossfit class in April. We'll see how that goes. I need the cross training to help improve my running. It just looks...insanely intimidating. I don't know of any other way to put it. And I don't like not being able to do something, so I'm sure at times I will throw a fit like a little girl. It should be fun for everyone ;). Who knows, maybe I'll enjoy it.
- Start back up, fresh and ready to run. I plan on trying to keep it consistent with my mileage, but working more on speed than anything else since I haven't been able to do that since January. Chris wants me to get in a good 7 weeks or so of speed work with no races to interrupt it.
- I love to run, and I love to race. I'm not planning any races for the month of April, and if I do I won't expect much out of it. My next 5k I'm looking at (and hoping to knock off more time) will probably be in May.
- Next goal for a 5k: sub 23. Next goal for a 1/2 marathon: sub 1:55, then will work for sub 1:50 (I need a challenging goal to look towards!) Not sure when I will run another 1/2 marathon, so it will be awhile before I accomplish this one.
- Start training on hills. I say that all. the. time, but I really need to, as much as I hate the
- Maybe, MAYBE run a full marathon in December?! I'll come back to that...
Runners go through lots of ups and down. There are goals which are accomplished, and a number of failed attempts. But nothing holds you back for good. You know that those failed attempts only make you stronger mentally; those failed attempts cause you to push harder to the goal in sight.
What are some of your running goals? Have you accomplished any of them this year? Do you "catch" people when you race?
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Tom King: My Race Recap
1st half: 11/2011 2:04
2nd half: 10/2012 2:02
3rd half: 2/2013 1:59
4th half: 3/2013 1:57
In case you suck at math, that's a 7 minute PR since my first half with 5 of those minutes being within the past 5 months. That's good, right?!? Well, I think so. And I'm not even all that awesome of a runner (compared to lots of super speedy road runners out there.) This race made me really happy. I like that feeling. I like it so much that I wanted to share it with you. I don't want to bore you with details, but I probably will. And it will probably be long. You can stop reading now, if you want. Just don't tell me :). Also, if you find grammar errors I will blame it on the fact that I ran 13.1 miles and haven't had lunch, yet. Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch!!! Okay, I'm going to get me some of that first.
Tom King. Course is super flat, which is one of the reasons I've been so excited to race it. My legs and lungs don't like hills, because they don't ever train on them. Even though I know it makes you a stronger runner. Blah, blah, blah. I still don't like them. Maybe I'll learn to love them like I love half marathons?...Doubt it.
I wasn't sure how this race was going to go at first, seeing that I've been injured AND sick the past few weeks, but my stubborn self knew I would push through any pain if I had to. The lead up to the race is pretty mundane: Stretch, use the restroom, walk around (decided not to do a warm up run), sit in the car. Dang it, I gotta pee again! Go to the start line, jump around to stay warm (or maybe to shake the nerves out? Or both?) Say a little pra- oh, crap that was the gun?! Apparently, they don't do countdowns at this race. A little heads up would have been nice, but it is what it is. Funneled through, and off we went.
Now, the very first thing I thought about when I started running was "how does my knee feel?" And I don't know if it's because it was a race, and adrenaline was flowing, and I was ignoring it, or if it actually didn't hurt. Turns out it was the latter, which was good, good news! I knew at that moment it was going to be a great race.
I started out with the goal of averaging around an 8:50 pace, but I felt good at 8:30-8:45 for the first 5-7 miles, so I tried to stay there for most of the run. That didn't really go as planned, because since I had picked up the pace (without really preparing to do so) I stopped. A lot. More than I should have. More than I stopped during last month's race on a hilly course. I stopped THREE times during mile 3, not because of pain, but because my STUPID HAIR KEPT FALLING DOWN. That annoys me so much. I've got to figure out a better contraption to keep my hair up on my head. That caused my average to slow down. And that sucks.
Anyway, I took my Power Bar gel at mile 7 and it kicked in for a little while, but the last three miles were brutal. All I wanted was for Chris to be by my side pushing me along. I desperately needed that extra nudge. Actually, I needed someone saying "suck it up, Kayla, and RUN!" I got a "you're almost there, keep pushing!" from one girl, so there was that. Thanks. But I was needing more of a literal push. Like, someone behind me pushing my back, or pulling my arm. That would have helped a lot! I didn't get that help. Then I saw the stadium! I'm almost home!!! And I STOPPED. Ugh. Less than a mile to go and I stop?! But I did. My mind won. But I regained my strength and kept moving. We ran under the stadium and out onto the field. I saw the jumbotron, and I have no clue if they announced my name, but if they did, I didn't hear it. I just thought, "If I trip and fall with my face up there on that big screen...I'm never coming back to this race again." I crossed the finish line, and was DONE. Hallelujah!
I don't know what my time would have been had I not stopped all those times. Better, duh. Maybe I would have been able to run a 1:55? (kind of made up that goal during the race - a little late, I know. But it was doable!) All I know is that I'm proud of how I did.
I know I'm always improving, and I know I have room for lots more improvements, and that's motivating for me hear and to realize. Regardless of my "setbacks" I will continue to run, race, and improve.
Yay, you made it to the end of my post! Sorry, there's no prize, but thanks for reading anway. :)
2nd half: 10/2012 2:02
3rd half: 2/2013 1:59
4th half: 3/2013 1:57
In case you suck at math, that's a 7 minute PR since my first half with 5 of those minutes being within the past 5 months. That's good, right?!? Well, I think so. And I'm not even all that awesome of a runner (compared to lots of super speedy road runners out there.) This race made me really happy. I like that feeling. I like it so much that I wanted to share it with you. I don't want to bore you with details, but I probably will. And it will probably be long. You can stop reading now, if you want. Just don't tell me :). Also, if you find grammar errors I will blame it on the fact that I ran 13.1 miles and haven't had lunch, yet. Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch!!! Okay, I'm going to get me some of that first.
Tom King. Course is super flat, which is one of the reasons I've been so excited to race it. My legs and lungs don't like hills, because they don't ever train on them. Even though I know it makes you a stronger runner. Blah, blah, blah. I still don't like them. Maybe I'll learn to love them like I love half marathons?...Doubt it.
I wasn't sure how this race was going to go at first, seeing that I've been injured AND sick the past few weeks, but my stubborn self knew I would push through any pain if I had to. The lead up to the race is pretty mundane: Stretch, use the restroom, walk around (decided not to do a warm up run), sit in the car. Dang it, I gotta pee again! Go to the start line, jump around to stay warm (or maybe to shake the nerves out? Or both?) Say a little pra- oh, crap that was the gun?! Apparently, they don't do countdowns at this race. A little heads up would have been nice, but it is what it is. Funneled through, and off we went.
Now, the very first thing I thought about when I started running was "how does my knee feel?" And I don't know if it's because it was a race, and adrenaline was flowing, and I was ignoring it, or if it actually didn't hurt. Turns out it was the latter, which was good, good news! I knew at that moment it was going to be a great race.
I started out with the goal of averaging around an 8:50 pace, but I felt good at 8:30-8:45 for the first 5-7 miles, so I tried to stay there for most of the run. That didn't really go as planned, because since I had picked up the pace (without really preparing to do so) I stopped. A lot. More than I should have. More than I stopped during last month's race on a hilly course. I stopped THREE times during mile 3, not because of pain, but because my STUPID HAIR KEPT FALLING DOWN. That annoys me so much. I've got to figure out a better contraption to keep my hair up on my head. That caused my average to slow down. And that sucks.
Side note: I have long, thick, wavy hair. You know, the kind that everyone just looooves, except for the girl who has it, because YOU know how much of a hassle it is? Yeah. Pretty when it's fixed, not so much when it's not. And a pain in the butt when you are running. I seriously use three hair ties to keep my hair up on top of my head when I'm running. You'd think it wouldn't go anywhere... So, any suggestions are greatly appreciated! :)
Anyway, I took my Power Bar gel at mile 7 and it kicked in for a little while, but the last three miles were brutal. All I wanted was for Chris to be by my side pushing me along. I desperately needed that extra nudge. Actually, I needed someone saying "suck it up, Kayla, and RUN!" I got a "you're almost there, keep pushing!" from one girl, so there was that. Thanks. But I was needing more of a literal push. Like, someone behind me pushing my back, or pulling my arm. That would have helped a lot! I didn't get that help. Then I saw the stadium! I'm almost home!!! And I STOPPED. Ugh. Less than a mile to go and I stop?! But I did. My mind won. But I regained my strength and kept moving. We ran under the stadium and out onto the field. I saw the jumbotron, and I have no clue if they announced my name, but if they did, I didn't hear it. I just thought, "If I trip and fall with my face up there on that big screen...I'm never coming back to this race again." I crossed the finish line, and was DONE. Hallelujah!
I don't know what my time would have been had I not stopped all those times. Better, duh. Maybe I would have been able to run a 1:55? (kind of made up that goal during the race - a little late, I know. But it was doable!) All I know is that I'm proud of how I did.
I know I'm always improving, and I know I have room for lots more improvements, and that's motivating for me hear and to realize. Regardless of my "setbacks" I will continue to run, race, and improve.
Yay, you made it to the end of my post! Sorry, there's no prize, but thanks for reading anway. :)
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| Lookie, it's me on the Titan's Jumbo Tron! |
Friday, March 8, 2013
Setbacks and Moving Forward
Sometimes it takes being injured/hurt to truly appreciate running.
I moved on from that struggle, and IMMEDIATELY got excited about my next BIG 1/2, Tom King, in March! The one I just knew I'd race right.
Let's rewind.
This past September I was 4-5 weeks out from my second 1/2 marathon (in October) when I injured my foot. I was out on my longest training run (13 miles - was running the race course) with Chris following me on his bike. Around mile 9 my foot started to ache. Then between miles 10 and 11 my foot completely fell apart. I could bear no weight. I looked down at my watch, fighting back tears of both frustration and pain, to see that I was basically at a walking pace. We got to the stop light to cross the street and I said I couldn't walk, let alone run the rest of the way. Chris said he would ride back to the car (about 2 miles away) and come back and get me. At this point I was at, oh...mile 11? Now, in case you don't know this about me, I'm extremely stubborn. If I set out to do something, I'm going to do it. So, I put my foot down (literally. Well I tried) and limped my way across the street. I remember seeing these two men staring at me out of the corner of my eye. I seriously thought they were about to ask if I needed to be carried. I would have said no. I kept attempting to run, thinking it was just a small mishap, but every time I started to run, my foot wouldn't let me. After limping, and stopping 4 or 5 times because of the excruciating pain, I finally called it quits at mile 12.5 and waited for Chris to come and get me. To this day, I still don't really know what happened. Fallen arch? Torn tendons? Whatever it was, it caused me to lose a lot of training, and it wasn't until about a week (maybe 2?) before the race when my foot started to feel better. Even though I set a 2 minute PR, it wasn't what I wanted. My legs broke down at mile 10 and I struggled the last 3 miles. I didn't hit my goal of going under two hours. I was beyond frustrated.
What did I learn from that injury? Patience. Something that I have very little of. That, and being okay with the fact that races don't always go the way you expect them to. Take the time to heal properly; I can't be defiant all the time.
I moved on from that struggle, and IMMEDIATELY got excited about my next BIG 1/2, Tom King, in March! The one I just knew I'd race right.
And then something ELSE happened...
From September to February my training was right on track. I had been doing a mixture of tempo runs, easy runs, and intervals trying to work up my mileage and my pace. My long miles stayed between 10 and 12. I was feeling good, and had already talked myself into running around 8:50 pace for Tom King. Then, as I got a little further into my training I thought with as flat a course as this is I might be able to average between an 8:30 and 8:45 pace! Mayyyybe. But I didn't get my hopes up.
Anyway, somewhere around the beginning of February I started having problems with my hip and knee. It started in my hip for a few runs. My hip would start to collapse if I had to stop for traffic. I thought it might have been from not stretching after a run a few days before, but I wasn't sure. I ran off and on for a week or two and it wasn't feeling better. I took 4 days off and that seemed to help. I ran my third 1/2 marathon on February 9th simply as a warm up race for Tom King. I ended up doing better than I had planned, even with my knee and hip still acting up, and set a new PR with a 1:59. Not too shabby seeing as it was an extremely hilly race. Thought I was in the clear after that, but stupid, stupid me didn't stretch afterwards (whether that's related or not, I don't know), but it wasn't smart. And it didn't help.
Present time:
A month has passed, and since then I have only had 6 or 7 runs that have actually felt good. The rest have felt horrible. Some have been bad because of my knee and hip, the rest are because I've also been under the weather the past week or two. So that hinders training, as well. First injuries, then sickness. I feel like I can't catch a break.
But no more complaints. zip. none.
Tomorrow is the big day!!! The race that I've been looking forward to since September. I am more excited about this race than I was my first half! Which also means that race nerves set in about a week ago. To be honest, my mind has been all over the place the past few weeks. I've had a lot of negative thoughts go through my mind because of this injury. I don't know what's going to happen during the race. I don't know how my knee is going to react. I don't know how I'm going to wake up feeling. All I know is that I'm excited, because I know I've put in the training. I know that as long as I can endure any pain my knee may give me, that I will come away with a PR. I don't have a set goal. All I really want is for the run to feel normal. And I want to enjoy it. If that happens, I will be happy.
Injuries happen. Sometimes ones that could have been prevented, and sometimes ones that couldn't. You can't get mad about it. You can't let it get you down, and you sure as hell can't let it keep you from achieving your goals. Tomorrow's going to be a great race; my mind knows it, and my body will follow suite. And in the end I'll still be my stubborn self - never giving up until I've reached my goals.
From September to February my training was right on track. I had been doing a mixture of tempo runs, easy runs, and intervals trying to work up my mileage and my pace. My long miles stayed between 10 and 12. I was feeling good, and had already talked myself into running around 8:50 pace for Tom King. Then, as I got a little further into my training I thought with as flat a course as this is I might be able to average between an 8:30 and 8:45 pace! Mayyyybe. But I didn't get my hopes up.
Anyway, somewhere around the beginning of February I started having problems with my hip and knee. It started in my hip for a few runs. My hip would start to collapse if I had to stop for traffic. I thought it might have been from not stretching after a run a few days before, but I wasn't sure. I ran off and on for a week or two and it wasn't feeling better. I took 4 days off and that seemed to help. I ran my third 1/2 marathon on February 9th simply as a warm up race for Tom King. I ended up doing better than I had planned, even with my knee and hip still acting up, and set a new PR with a 1:59. Not too shabby seeing as it was an extremely hilly race. Thought I was in the clear after that, but stupid, stupid me didn't stretch afterwards (whether that's related or not, I don't know), but it wasn't smart. And it didn't help.
Present time:
A month has passed, and since then I have only had 6 or 7 runs that have actually felt good. The rest have felt horrible. Some have been bad because of my knee and hip, the rest are because I've also been under the weather the past week or two. So that hinders training, as well. First injuries, then sickness. I feel like I can't catch a break.
But no more complaints. zip. none.
Tomorrow is the big day!!! The race that I've been looking forward to since September. I am more excited about this race than I was my first half! Which also means that race nerves set in about a week ago. To be honest, my mind has been all over the place the past few weeks. I've had a lot of negative thoughts go through my mind because of this injury. I don't know what's going to happen during the race. I don't know how my knee is going to react. I don't know how I'm going to wake up feeling. All I know is that I'm excited, because I know I've put in the training. I know that as long as I can endure any pain my knee may give me, that I will come away with a PR. I don't have a set goal. All I really want is for the run to feel normal. And I want to enjoy it. If that happens, I will be happy.
Injuries happen. Sometimes ones that could have been prevented, and sometimes ones that couldn't. You can't get mad about it. You can't let it get you down, and you sure as hell can't let it keep you from achieving your goals. Tomorrow's going to be a great race; my mind knows it, and my body will follow suite. And in the end I'll still be my stubborn self - never giving up until I've reached my goals.
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