I didn't set many goals, but I did make some big ones.
#1: run 1000 miles this year. Yeah, NOT going to happen. Even if I weren't 9 days away from surgery (that will take me out for 6 stupid weeks), this goal just wasn't going to happen this year. Despite training for Circular Logic, my mileage stayed low (again). I haven't even broken 300 yet. Call me a slacker. I ran 227 miles from Decmebr to March for that marathon training, which is oddly enough 1 mile LESS than I ran during training for the AF full last year. At least I'm consistent in my low mileage.
#2: Complete 3 more marathons. 1 down, 2 to go. I know, barring injury, I will finish. So I feel ok about this. But I know semi-secret goal of one of those marathons being under 4:30 is in jeopardy.
I think I'll approach the AF marathon as a long training run for the Veteran's marathon. And between now and then, I'll keep reminding myself the a DNF will NOT affect my self-worth.
And, who knows. The optimist in me is reminding me of last fall's Freedom Half- I felt like I had taken the whole month off beforehand, and yet I still had that massive PR. Maybe, just Maybe, 6 weeks off will leave me feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to tackle this training cycle with renewed vigor.
I think I'll approach the AF marathon as a long training run for the Veteran's marathon. And between now and then, I'll keep reminding myself the a DNF will NOT affect my self-worth.
And, who knows. The optimist in me is reminding me of last fall's Freedom Half- I felt like I had taken the whole month off beforehand, and yet I still had that massive PR. Maybe, just Maybe, 6 weeks off will leave me feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to tackle this training cycle with renewed vigor.
#3: Run the HUFF 50K, my first ultra. I'm still confident it will happen. But, like the semi-secret time goal for the marathons, I'm not sure how fast it will be... I could very well be racing the clock to meet the cut-off time.
{I'll be honest: I just got home from my pre-op appointment, and while I took the "you're sure you are ok not having kids" discussion in stride (calm acceptance, I really am ok with that part), I straight up BAWLED when I was told no running for 6 weeks.
Running is my therapy, my hobby, my way of calming my mind... running is the friend that is always there when needed, and never gives me (too) much crap if I skip it once in a while, since it knows I'll be back. Running has taught me to appreciate my strength, to read the scale as how Strong I am rather than how heavy. So, 6 weeks without it will be rough. The NP offered to ask for some Xanax for after surgery, but I've been down that road- I told her no thanks. I'd rather force myself to find a way to cope (like cross-stitch binges or knitting) than medicate. I don't like the way that crap makes me feel. I'd rather be present than checked out, even if present means being fully aware of how much I'll want to run.}
2 new goals
#4: 13.1 miles on May 21! I'm adding this one to the list. I know I'll be a ball of nerves the day before surgery, so right now, my plan is to run a half marathon on the base 5k trail- 4 laps plus a few of the running track should get me there. If I time it right, I'll finish around the time the running group is meeting. It would be awesome if some of them would joins me for the last lap.
#5: have fun at Track Day. Track Day is this Thursday- I want to put on a good showing for my 1.5 mile race. If I can round out the last of my races with another strong one, I'll feel a tiny bit better about time off. So far, I've set 3 new PRs this spring (full and 5K twice), which helps.
How are your goals for the year coming along?
Running is my therapy, my hobby, my way of calming my mind... running is the friend that is always there when needed, and never gives me (too) much crap if I skip it once in a while, since it knows I'll be back. Running has taught me to appreciate my strength, to read the scale as how Strong I am rather than how heavy. So, 6 weeks without it will be rough. The NP offered to ask for some Xanax for after surgery, but I've been down that road- I told her no thanks. I'd rather force myself to find a way to cope (like cross-stitch binges or knitting) than medicate. I don't like the way that crap makes me feel. I'd rather be present than checked out, even if present means being fully aware of how much I'll want to run.}
2 new goals
#4: 13.1 miles on May 21! I'm adding this one to the list. I know I'll be a ball of nerves the day before surgery, so right now, my plan is to run a half marathon on the base 5k trail- 4 laps plus a few of the running track should get me there. If I time it right, I'll finish around the time the running group is meeting. It would be awesome if some of them would joins me for the last lap.
#5: have fun at Track Day. Track Day is this Thursday- I want to put on a good showing for my 1.5 mile race. If I can round out the last of my races with another strong one, I'll feel a tiny bit better about time off. So far, I've set 3 new PRs this spring (full and 5K twice), which helps.
How are your goals for the year coming along?
Good luck with surgery! Hope you get in some great runs to reminisce about during your time off:-) At least you would choose a cross-stitch binge...I'd probably choose cake;-)
ReplyDeleteHope the surgery goes smoothly! You are making great progress toward your goals. Enjoy Track Day this Thursday!
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