« The bug's back, lame shoulder | Main | Track workout in the dark »
September 12, 2005
Trying to 'Run Happy'
Pocket change to the first person who can identify whose company motto that is.
If I wasn’t my own worst critic, I’d be a happier runner. I've been down in the dumps recently due to this long stretch of lackluster race performances and so-so training. I didn't want to sound like a broken record on my blog while serious, tragic events were transpiring in the world, so I kept my self-pity to myself. During this time, I ran consistent 8-minute miles (or less) for nine miles of the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend. It was a fun race with a great course, gorgeous weather, and lots of entertainment/diversion. And while my outside voice was happy about the overall effort (1:47), my inside voice and heart were sorely disappointed that my time was over 10 minutes slower than last April and over 15 minutes slower than my half marathon PR. Stop comparing, right?!
I admit I need to fix my attitude. I will try harder to be a happy runner, to focus more on the positive aspects of my training/races and not let the bad days consume me completely. The perfectionist monkey needs to take a back seat! Reading other blogs and penning motivational quotes in my training log does provide me inspiration as well as a frequent reality check. After all, it is the hard and bad days and the ability to bounce back from them that make us stronger - physically and mentally.
So, here I am - 4 weeks from Chicago. One more race and two more hard workouts to make the most of. Happy runner, happy runner. Regardless of the outcome, the trip to Chicago is going to be an awesome time. A large group of us from the running club is flying up and staying at the Congress Plaza. I love road trips, especially vehicular-based ones, because of the memories and bonding experiences. I think the last time I went on a big running road trip was Boston 2001 - some good stories there.
Anyway, despite my brooding, training went surprisingly well last week. I logged 50 miles, which included a solid track workout (on the treadmill again) of 5 x 600m at 5k pace and a scenic but tough, hilly 17-mile long run on tired legs - thanks to R's killer karate leg exercises we did on Thursday. My legs are wobbling just thinking about them.
On tap for tonight: 6 miles easy on Rocky Run and perhaps some swimmming if I feel particularly energetic.
Posted by Leilani at September 12, 2005 03:54 PM
Comments
Ooo...Enron?
Posted by: R. at September 13, 2005 09:28 AM
Oo..oo..Brooks.
On a more serious note, I can emphasize with how you are feeling. Comparing can be evil. Outside stressors can affect you as well. My massage therapist and I were talking about some of that today. I think that runners, as a group, tend to want to improve all the time. In reality, I think that we need to go through some valleys as well. The low points are what help us improve and get stronger, both physically and mentally/emotionally.
On a fun note, I think that your trip to Chicago sounds like a ton of fun. I've never really gone on a running-related road trips. Most of my club is a bunch of sticks-in-the-mud and don't like to travel to races. When we do, it's only about half an hour and most people seem to bail on us.
You'll get through this rough patch. Maybe working on swimming and doing some tris is the answer? (just an idea) This could make you stronger physically and eventually faster. I don't really know anything, but I find that when I'm in a rut trying something new helps me to get out of it.
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at September 13, 2005 01:03 PM
Hey Lei - I didn't know you were at the Rock N' Roll, too! Well, duh - I should've figured. I was there also, but as a spectator, not a particpant :) I'd love to run it next year!
Hope things are going well with you. We need to catch up again... it seems like it's been too long!
Posted by: Sherry at September 13, 2005 08:10 PM
Hey, good luck with your final preparations for Chicago. I'm sorry you're having such a rough patch of it. Good thing you have so many other good things going for you :)
Even though I ALWAYS think you're fast I hope the running side of your life picks up to something you find more satisfying soon. Take care.
Posted by: Audrey at September 13, 2005 10:35 PM