Friday, March 02, 2007

Learning it's worth it

Dreaded ice/snow storms on Wednesday kept me from running. Yes, I could have gone to the treadmill but considering the drive home took over two hours in which I was nearly rear ended four times, I'd say my heart had had enough for that day. It wasn't a day without it's physical successes, however.

I visited the doctor Wednesday (who by the way, I adore a little more every time I see him because he is all positive and "yes, keep running!" and it makes me a little sad to say that I won't be seeing him again in the near future because who doesn't want that kind of intelligent cheerleader in their lives?) and he believes that I'm doing great. He says in the last eight weeks I've improved about 75% and if I continue on that path, I'll likely be at 100% or "darn near" by May- which is good because I'm planning to do another marathon then. So really, it's good news. Great. Of course, the impatient soul I am, I want to be 100% yesterday but I'd be lying if I said this injury hasn't taught me more than a few things. It has taught me a lot of things, like persistence. I thought I was persistent before, but I am now more than ever.

Which is why after not running on Wednesday, I decided I had to make up for it on Thursday. By running twice. I ran four miles at lunch and then another six after work. I don't often do two-a-day running work outs, so my butt was a little kicked by dinner time. I also felt good though. I felt strong on both runs and honestly, had I completely lost my mind rather than partially, I would have kept running and made the six a seven or eight. But I didn't and somehow I remembered that ten miles on a week day is pretty high for me right now and if I keep myself in check, I'm more likely to keep running and keep feeling stronger.

Most importantly, I've learned that I have a new "life" in running. There will never be a time when I don't have to do extra in order to keep going. The weight training (which I completely regret slacking on in 2006) and stretching and core balance work will forever have to be a part of my routine. Before, running was sort of everything, but age and time and miles have brought on new requirements. I know I'm just 27, but it's taken almost a year for me to realize that what that means is that I'm not 20. My head will continue to believe differently, but my body, if I get too lax on other aspects of my training, will remind me. Since I'd rather not have that reminder, I'll be good. I'll left weights when I'd rather just eat lunch. I'll get up fifteen minutes early to stretch when I'd rather sleep. I'll do it, because I want to keep going. And I want to feel good.

I can handle all of that, though because even with being tired and hungry, inconvenienced and pressed for time, I do feel good. That makes it all worth it.

10 comments:

Sizzle said...

strengthening the core has so many benefits, doesn't it? i noticed that after just one class of yoga. oh how i missed yoga!

good for you. :)

anne said...

I seriously don't know how you do it. Amazing and Rock Star come to mind.

Danielle said...

It is definitely good to keep with core stuff. Even if you neglect other areas of lifting. Now you should've gone out in the blizzard...I did that yesterday. 2 a days can be nice...and a great way to keep metabolism up! (to make up for bread and lucky charms eating!)

Backofpack said...

So wise for one so young! At my ripe old age of 49, I run, I do Pilates and I stretch after most of my runs. I don't stretch before, but I walk half a block before I start. Someday I'd like to add yoga, and I know I should do weights but I really don't like them too well.

I'm so glad you are back at it and feeling better! Go!

adam said...

It is good to hear that your running is going so well! I am almost ready to believe that I need to do some core training since I got injured last weekend! I am really hesitant only because it seems like doing work just so that I can run. Running isn't work, but I can't help but think that core strengthening might just be! Guess I need to do some more research.

Unknown said...

core work.... what's that???

gulp.

runliarun said...

I have to learn from you.

egan said...

So I'm new to your blog, but want to know what happened to you injury wise. Getting back in shape is such a great feeling. I had a pretty bad injury last year and had to take a couple weeks off, that killed me.

A four and six mile run in one day is a lot.
Did you get shin splints? I get shin splints whenever running on treadmills, but I realize your 10 miles was outdoors.

Favorite shoes are? I have so many running questions, I best pace myself accordingly.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the good run and the progress.

Bre said...

I always thought that core training was dumb ... until I stopped doing it and felt like crap!