Well, after my resolution of July 12 or so, I ran for about a week and ended up not getting back into it. A trip to drop off Daughter at camp, a weekend at the beach, a couple of work obligations and VOOOM, "NY Wolve's Get Fit Summer 2010!" was off. I really struggle with motivation sometimes, and, well, I just couldn't sustain it.
Ironically, though, the plan is back on. I have more or less decided NY Marathon is out for this year. I will defer until next year. And that decision has allowed me to take a longer view about weight loss and getting back into shape. No more gun to my head to be ready to run 26.2 on November 7. Instead, I can diet, build a base, work on form and not over doing it and take the long view. Yes, it will be difficult not to be there on November 7. But sometimes, discretion is the better part of valor.
One thing that really, really made me miss running and want to be back in shape was returning to Asheville, NC. My daughter goes to camp outside of Asheville, and we have gone down there the last three years for drop off. Asheville is a beautiful town, and a really funky vibe also; sort of like Austin, TX. At any rate last year, I was in good shape and training for the NY marathon. I ran 18.4 miles at a 8:28 pace. (I wrote more about Asheville and my run here.) Returning to Asheville, I could no more have run 18 miles than jump over the moon. And I missed that feeling. I missed that feeling of "Hey, I could really do something here. I can run these hills." I missed the feeling of confidence and accomplishment that I had last year.
So all of that means...back on track for Austin 2011. First goal, for next 3 months is lose weight and build up the base. I can make to go/no-go decision on Austin in October after a couple of months are under my belt. But I feel good about it. It gives me time and a longer horizon to view things.
By the way, Running Times had an excellent piece on why people fixate on marathons. I strongly recommend it, and many of the things the author said -- positive and negative -- could not be more true in my case. A marathon mentally captures you, both with excitement and dread, and has a tendency to become a preoccupation through which all other decisions -- workout, eating, sleeping, etc., are viewed. I can't find a link to it, but heartily recommend it for anyone contemplating running a marathon.
In closing my on again/off again training is not unusual for me. Nor are my crazy weight swings unusual (unhealthy yes, unusual, no). But this time, this time, I am going to make it work. I can feel it.
I'm excited for you to get back in it too! Sad I won't see you at NY this year, but I think you're right- it's the best decision for you. I'm really interested in this article from Running Times, if you find it let us know!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling motivated again....sometimes we hit a wall and it takes something , like Asheville, to get us going again. I am glad to know you will be taking it slow and steady as that will result in less injuries and have you better prepared for NY next year! Great goals, stay motivated, we are all here to support ya!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect plan for Austin! Glad you got your mojo back and are back on the road. I am out for Chicago and I can't defer it to next year (unlike!) so have to eat the cost (OUCH) but I'd rather do that than slug through crappy training. So I understand your new direction. Good luck, I look forward to reading your journey to Austin!
ReplyDeleteI read that article in RT. It was awesome.
ReplyDeleteYAY for --- Austin 2011!!
Great to hear from you again!
ReplyDeleteGood to read ya;-)
ReplyDeleteand i think it sounds smart to hold off on NY and focus on base weight/training. So you're up and running for 2011
He's baaaaack! You can do this...of course you can!
ReplyDeleteThe longer horizon is key, now you won't have that added time pressure. Austin sounds like a great plan!!
ReplyDeleteWow, good for you making the right (albeit difficult) decision! I'm in for next year too so maybe I'll see you there! Feb. is not too far off...plenty of time to build that base and its nice because you don't have to officially start training in this brutal heat. I've definitely been struggling with the heat during training for Steamtown. I want to find that RT article too...sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back! Summers have a way of slipping away all too fast. Your revised plan sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteI've worn the Yurbuds so far for about 3 hrs at the longest stretch. I honestly forget they're in, they are that comfy.
Keep your focus, you can do it...you always have before!
ReplyDeleteI hope the family is doing well and I'm happy that you have some nice goals for 2011, stay strong!
I'm glad you are back and motivated. Sounds like you have a good plan in place but I am sorry that you won't be running NYC. At least you can defer until next year and you can go into it feeling ready.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog! And thanks for mentioning the Running Times-piece! Good thing reading that!
ReplyDeleteGood that you're back in the saddle! NY is really out for this year?