Saturday, January 31, 2015

"And if you don't know, now you know..."

It's been a long time since I've done the 10 "Day" YOU Challenge... several weeks I think. It's safe to say that putting day in quotation marks from the beginning was a very smart move. Anyway, this installment of the 10 "Day" Challenge is dedicated to 3 lessons I've learnt since I started running.
1. Every journey is different...
Even if you start running at the same time and use the same training plan and train for the same race, your running journey will be uniquely different from others around you. Doesn't that make it perfect? Because when you have a bad run you can chalk it up to just a bad day, and therefore not get too defeated even if your running BFF gets yet another PR. And when you have a great run, you can enjoy the runner's high...

2. Nothing is worth getting injured for...
I had to learn this the hard way, and that's usually what happens with lessons that you never forget. Prior to my injury I was pushing myself too hard, between weight training, cross training and running I never really gave my body a break. I used the wrong techniques, I didn't stretch, didn't warm up or cool down properly... just did what I saw/heard others doing without making the necessary adjustments for me. The results I saw were great, but not worth the months of pain, physical therapy, and lingering residual issues I still battle with today. I will always be a supporter of pushing yourself, just as long as you know what your limitations are...

3. There are things beyond your control, but also things that you can control: Don't lose focus.
There are so many things that can impact your running. Whether it's a training run or a race day, factors such as weather, delayed start times, not-so courteous runners/cyclists/skateboarders etc are all things that can "throw you off your running game". In times like these you need to channel your inner Elsa (and let it go). Be disciplined about the things you can control: Nutrition, hydration, rest, body glide application... the list goes on, but you know what I mean. I can almost predict how well I will do on my training runs or on race day based on how well I ate, hydrated & slept. Sometimes we have better weeks than others, but if your goal is to get better each week don't neglect the little things...

I really could go on and on about different lessons I've learnt, but that would take more than 10 "days" for sure. I started this journey 19 months ago and I still have so much more to learn about running, about by body & how to train properly, and about myself. Hopefully I will be able to share more than 3 lessons with you 10 "years" from now...

What are some of the lessons you've learnt on your running journey?

6 comments:

  1. I've learned that running keeps you living to strive to do your best and working to be better in everything you do. Mostly, being better to yourself.

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  2. Those are good lessons to learn, even if they happened the hard way. I'm learning to trust my instincts and to listen to my body.

    Mei

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    1. That's a good plan Mei :) That way you know when to push yourself and when to hold back and rest :)

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  3. Excellent lessons! I love the cartoon about ending up in Ohio....LOL

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