- T. F. Hodge
This week my goal was simple. To get back on track, stick to the plan, and keep a good attitude intact. It's amazing what a mental adjustment can do for your physical performance.
I got a boost on Sunday reconnecting with my former running buddy Shelly… I had an epiphany after our 10 miler and realized that as much as I want to prove I have the strength to progress on my own, running is just more fun, rewarding, and enjoyable with a friend. And Shelly knows how to push me. Her experience, fitness, and most importantly her strong attitude gets me motivated. She agreed to pace me for my next half marathon, and I'm just so thrilled to have a goal again.
Aside from the horrific car key fiasco Tuesday morning, my training has been good. I was supposed to have a down week… lots of recovery, but unfortunately last week I let myself down so I needed a little bit of redemption. I was happy to see my runs all falling into a sub 8 min pace, even my 7 miler that I slugged out at 5:30 am Thursday morning before a looooong 12 hour day at work.
Friday morning the sky was clear and the air cool so we got up early and drove down to Sandbridge Beach and watched the sun rise over the sea. Tried to get some yoga in (of course) but I have to admit that my body was resistant and inflexible that early. My backbends were tough. My balance was off. But the sun was beautiful.
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I am trying so very, very hard not to be sad and deflated that I am not doing Beach to Battleship 140.6. I will let it go. It's not my time. I will see my friends compete and do their best. I will feel proud of them. I will bide my time. I will stay focused on my dream: PR at Boston.
Then… I will be an ironman again. 2015 will be my year.
And I have so much to look forward to. I continue my missions with #90daysofmindfulness and the No Meat Athlete running group. I am going to be more dedicated and focused on nutrition for this training cycle, and look forward to exchanging ideas and camaraderie.
And next weekend… an EVENT! A race! 200 mile relay with people I met on DailyMile. There are two other vegans on my team. I'm looking so forward to participating in an event FINALLY. It's been a weird year.
NOT looking forward to wearing a tutu. But a tutu I will wear.
Some days our role in life is being the cheerleader! Remember, when you feel like you're NOT doing much, someone else is in the shadows wishing they could be doing THAT much!
ReplyDeleteI read the miles and miles you put on, and at the pace you go....my running pace, on a good day is 15. YUP, 15 minutes to run a mile. That's a good day. I don't really care, because for me...just to be physically able to run, makes my day. I may never run again...but when I do, it will be slow.
I can honestly say: that when you're a runner, you're a RUNNER, no matter the pace. People who run a 7 min mile don't look at 15 min milers and scoff. We compete with OURSELVES and support each other. That's what i LOVE about this community. And you're absolutely right: we need to celebrate the ABILITY to run when we can, or just be physically active if we are so blessed. I also celebrate my desire to progress; it's who I am. But one day it will be someone else's turn to get better while I won't be able to. And I will accept it graciously, I hope!!!!!
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