Why I Love Running
This morning was my last "long" run, as it was for many other 10-10-10 marathoners out there. After talking to my physical therapist on Wednesday, she suggested that my last long run not be 8 miles as I had planned, but rather 4-5 at most if it felt good.
I headed to the running group in long pants w/ the compression wrap strapped tightly around my upper right leg to support my hamstring. To play it safe, I decided to walk the first 10 minutes before attempting any kind of run. When I first took off running, it didn't feel good at all so I stopped and walked again after 30 seconds.
A few more minutes of walking and stretching later, I decided to run a few more minutes. Again, not great but manageable. I stopped at the park for water and another stretch after 4 minutes of running. From there, it got better and I didn't stop again until my run was finished.
Eventually, the pain and tightness eased up a bit to the point where I felt that I could mentally feel strong enough about my body's abilities. During the 3.68 miles, there was a lot swirling inside my head. Here's just a sample...
Once again, this marathon is going to be totally different than I first expected.
I'm essentially running on one leg and bringing the other leg along for the ride.
I surrender.
I cannot tell this body what to do.
You can never stretch or ice enough.
I think I could handle this speed and pain for 26.2 miles.
Shiz, I'm running a 7 min pace.
Really, I'm running a 10 min pace?
There go my Boston aspirations.
What time do I need to arrive at the starting line if I need to get a 10-15 min power walk in?
Ultimately, while there was a lot of negative, or realistic talk going on there, the most important thought was that I felt like my legs and body were strong enough to carry me through 26.2 miles. I can do this. I will do this. Six days 'til GO time!
And I almost forgot to tell you Why I Love Running. I realized that after four days of not running, those precious 3.68 miles were soul soothing, invigorating and brought me to a happy place I hadn't been in for the last few days (I tell ya, the bike and elliptical aren't all that). Without running, I simply would not be the same.
Priorities this week: resting and eating well, foam rolling, icing, stretching, destressing, physical therapy and happy thoughts! What are yours? Why do you love running (or whatever your thing is)?
I headed to the running group in long pants w/ the compression wrap strapped tightly around my upper right leg to support my hamstring. To play it safe, I decided to walk the first 10 minutes before attempting any kind of run. When I first took off running, it didn't feel good at all so I stopped and walked again after 30 seconds.
A few more minutes of walking and stretching later, I decided to run a few more minutes. Again, not great but manageable. I stopped at the park for water and another stretch after 4 minutes of running. From there, it got better and I didn't stop again until my run was finished.
Eventually, the pain and tightness eased up a bit to the point where I felt that I could mentally feel strong enough about my body's abilities. During the 3.68 miles, there was a lot swirling inside my head. Here's just a sample...
Once again, this marathon is going to be totally different than I first expected.
I'm essentially running on one leg and bringing the other leg along for the ride.
I surrender.
I cannot tell this body what to do.
You can never stretch or ice enough.
I think I could handle this speed and pain for 26.2 miles.
Shiz, I'm running a 7 min pace.
Really, I'm running a 10 min pace?
There go my Boston aspirations.
What time do I need to arrive at the starting line if I need to get a 10-15 min power walk in?
Ultimately, while there was a lot of negative, or realistic talk going on there, the most important thought was that I felt like my legs and body were strong enough to carry me through 26.2 miles. I can do this. I will do this. Six days 'til GO time!
And I almost forgot to tell you Why I Love Running. I realized that after four days of not running, those precious 3.68 miles were soul soothing, invigorating and brought me to a happy place I hadn't been in for the last few days (I tell ya, the bike and elliptical aren't all that). Without running, I simply would not be the same.
Priorities this week: resting and eating well, foam rolling, icing, stretching, destressing, physical therapy and happy thoughts! What are yours? Why do you love running (or whatever your thing is)?
Comments
I hope you have a great, relaxing week! Can't wait to see you in just a matter of days!!! :)
SEE YOU IN 5 SLEEPS!!!!!
Thanks for all the positive thoughts, ladies!
I love running because it pushes me to challenge myself - my mentality, my will power, my physical strength and my self-defined goals. Soothing & invigorating - couldn't say it better :)
Running shows me that I am capable of doing things that I once thought were impossible. It's the bestest :)