Now that I've had some time to think about it and cool off about how mad I was after my run, I can explain what I think the problem is without swearing or otherwise having a tantrum like a child.
Tonight my training plan said to do 2 miles. I figured with a warm up and a cool down and the advice of my friend Susan I would be there about 35 minutes. I could totally do that! 35 minutes! I've done it before, lots of times. I ran lots of good miles in January. I made a lot of progress over the last year, and I took 7 minutes off my 5k time between St. Patrick's Day and Thanksgiving, and I even finished a half marathon. I should be able to handle a 2 mile run.
So maybe it was my attitude that I didn't want to run tonight (or do anything for that matter).
Maybe it's because my legs have been cranky for the last few weeks.
Maybe it's because running doesn't feel like it should (and by that I mean fun).
I did my run tonight and it felt BAD.
Bad enough that I cut it short (less than 35 minutes! But it was at least still 2 miles if you count all the walking) and hopped on a bike to try to salvage my legs, because I felt like I had some sort of muscle atrophy or something.
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| I mean, it was cold. But I had pants on. |
Which helped.
A little.
And it's not my shoes or my form or anything like that. It's not.
I think at this point I need a better attitude (because running needs to be fun like I said) and I need to be better about taking care of my legs. I need to use my foam roller and work on strengthening my core and making my body happy to run so that my brain can enjoy what my legs are doing.
Does this make sense?
My relationship with running is rocky. Especially right now. But running and I can get along just fine. If I set my mind to it.
Have you ever had trouble doing something you once enjoyed? How did you wrap your brain around soreness and injury to get back to doing what you like to do?
Absolutely. After running my first half marathon, my foot was run over by a several-thousand-pound tractor wagon. (http://smalltowngirlsguide.com/2011/the-ugliest-foot/) I ran two more half marathons on it, with a good deal of discomfort. After a lot of time in and out of doctor's appointments, I've reached maximum medical healing. I still hurt on long runs, but it's worth it for the benefits running brings otherwise. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, yes. I've had SO MANY bad runs! And I know it sucks when people say this.... but it's 100% true - the bad runs make the good runs even better. And when you're out there struggling and logging the miles, pushing yourself... that's when you become a stronger runner. Hang in there, lady. It WILL get better. Some days, much better, some days, not so much. But you'll see progress as long as you keep moving forward. :)
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