This has been an interesting running year for I had more lows than high resulting in a major funk. When I look back the last races that I participated in were Ragnar, and then things just went south from there. I find it very interesting that the one thing that I love to do, I came at a crossroads with it. I got off the bandwagon so to speak and just did not feel like lacing hence, losing my mileage and my mojo (it needs a GPS).
After doing a bit of “soul/sole” searching, I learned that it is ok to feel that way, and probably will not be the last time, but also knowing how to deal with it. Even the elites have their highs/lows and will take off to regroup and get a fresh outlook. I discovered that I needed to have a goal set, something new and challenging to do to keep me interested if it is not a self induced “time out”. Now I know how to deal with it and adjust accordingly to the events that need to be tweaked. I reconnected with my self and went back to the basics when I first started running. I started out running by myself because I did not have anybody to run with. My solo runs allowed me to run at my pace, and I did not have to apologize for not being able to keep up. I do enjoy running with my BRF but I also enjoy my solo runs for I just run against/with me. Self-analysis can sometimes be very helpful and as well as extremely critical since we tend to be harder on our self than others. I decided to change my outlook with regards to running. I do not “have/need” to run but want to run, remembering that I enjoy it and getting the passion back. When a passion turns into a chore that is when the issues creep in so the balance needs to be kept. I have started a run/walk approach to work on my endurance, helps with the weight, as well as to get my base back. This took some of the mental pressure off of trying to be at a certain pace. I’m getting into a rhythm and letting my body get used to the new flow. I now feel better knowing that I have renegotiated terms with myself for it is ok to change and adjust. I made a list of goals as to what I wanted to do in the new year of running, and had to include a “challenge” to spice it up a bit. So the challenge to myself as well as my long-term goal will be my first 50K (Chicago 50/50) in the fall of 2016. This will take a lot of preparation in terms of training, structure, nutrition, being obedient to the craft, and respecting the distance. Since I have prepared for and ran a marathon I know what it takes in terms of training but that too will be changed based on past experience. So, as I move forward with my new blank year, I have started populating my calendar with a few races to run to get my sea (ground) legs back. I’m looking forward to the new challenges, goals, races, and most of all the NEW ME!! Happy Holidays to One and ALL!! #PROUDTOBEARUNJUNKEE
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June 2016
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