Wednesday, November 5, 2014

What I dream about when I dream about running...

I love the Milepost quote for today! I think this is true for so many of us...we start out with a specific goal in mind and are motivated to achieve that goal. But long after the goal has been reached or even while we are still on that journey, habit kicks in.

My week feels "odd" if I don't get to complete my 3 running sessions since I'm pretty much always in "training mode". It has become my habit. If I'm not focused on an upcoming race then there's usually another goal in mind....rehabbing from injury or increasing my endurance or improving my speed (or all of the above). There's always something that I'm working on and I think it will be like that for as long as I am able to run (I can always get better right?)

My half marathon is in 4 days. Ok maybe that didn't truly reflect how I'm feeling so let's try again.... My half marathon is in FOUR DAYS!!!!!! YAY!!!!!! So in keeping with my taper week plans I ran this morning (and will fit in one more pre-race run before Sunday). This morning I completed my typical mid-week session...

My goal was to not do any more than I would normally do (since I'm tapering) so I stuck to a 35 minute session. My pace was slightly better than it has been on previous mid-week sessions thanks to extra motivation this morning.
Pace per mile breakdown...

I felt good throughout the run. There were times when I wanted to slow down a bit but each time I took a walk break I got an extra push to try harder during the next running interval...

I've been trying to get more hours of sleep this week. I actually snoozed my alarm and slept for an extra 40 minutes this morning (which is unusual for me when I'm scheduled to run). Because of the time change this resulted in me seeing the sunrise (I forgot to take pics), which was nice since for the past several weeks it has been pretty dark in the morning. In addition to the added benefit of watching the sunrise, rest in general is a key component of my training (hence my commitment to only 3 running days each week). I try really hard not to overdo my training, or run too frequently, or too fast (let's pretend that's why I don't run fast). I think a part of the reason for that is because deep down I'm scared I will get injured again. I'm trying to get over that...success isn't possible if you allow fear to dictate your path.

In my dreams (where fear doesn't live) I am a runner with no injuries, a great running form, a strong core, a stable running gait, shin splint-free legs and little to no muscle soreness...
In reality, I am a 34 year old newbie runner who has to battle with lingering injuries, new injuries, blisters, lost toenails, fatigue and self-inflicted mental blocks. When I dream about running nothing is impossible for me. This journey of mine is about making those dreams become a reality.

When I started running last year I was motivated by my desire to run with my twin sister. Then the "habit" kicked in and running became more about me and my own personal journey to improve. This week I have been reflecting on that, and on all the things that keep me motivated (above and beyond what mere habit can do). While I love all my roles in life...and at times, I love some of those roles more than others, no matter where I am on that spectrum (in the midst of my reality) running makes me find my smile...

On a side note (in a moment of self-reflection and discovery) I have come to the realization that I may be a tiny bit liberal with the use of parentheses (it's been that type of day)....

Happy Wednesday!

What makes you (find your) smile?

How many hours of sleep do you (try to) get each night during race week?

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