1. This my first race running as a DeLong. I registered 2 weeks after we were married- before my name change even became official. This was the first time I used my new last name and it was so exciting!
2. The race is in October- which means a nice cool, crisp morning for running. No smoldering humidity, no freezing rain. I am counting on a beautiful fall morning this year, just like last.
3. This is the most inspirational race I have ever taken part in. It is impossible to quit and give up when wounded warriors are running past you. There are no bands or performers on the course, but you don't need them. The soldiers sing cadence to keep you moving. Amazing.
I am also a little nervous for a few reasons.
1. I have been training using Hal' Higdon's 15-k training schedule, the same schedule I used last year and have used successfully in the past. But this year, motivation has been a little bit of a challenge for me. I used to look forward to the long weekend runs, knowing I'd feel awesome afterwards. This time, I dread them and rearrange the schedule in order to do them at the last possible moment. I think I am dreading these runs because I am not nearly as conditioned as I was this time last year. Which brings me to reason #2 that I am nervous:
2. My last road race was last December. Since running became a hobby of mine I have done a decent job of keeping a race on my calendar every couple of months. The distance wasn't as important as just having something to hold me accountable. I would keep running to stay in shape all to avoid whimping out on a race I'd already paid for. My method worked, and I managed to maintain or improve my time until of course last year's ATM (see reason #3 to be nervous). I haven't run since December. I'd love to blame this on planning a wedding but there really is no reason other than maybe just being burned out. Truth is, running used to be a huge stress reliever for me. I probably should have done more running during wedding planning. When I run in October it will be almost exactly 10 months since my last race. I am definitely not in my best shape. Not feeling super confident.
3. Last year I was in the midst of a serious stomach situation on ATM Race Day. I won't go into details- but the morning of the race the situation was under control enough that I decided to run. I felt miserable through each of those 10 miles and was in bed for the rest of the day waiting for my insides to flee my body. My time suffered a little bit and I vowed that I would beat my 2010 time in 2011. I am a little worried that my lack of conditioning until about 6 weeks ago is really going to impact my ability to achieve that goal I set for myself. Nothing makes me angrier than falling short of my own goals.
4. Last week at work I took a nasty spill off the front porch of a client's home and sprained my ankle. Nothing too serious but swelling, pain, and road rash had me in the urgent care clinic that evening. A few x-rays and an ankle-splint later (I decided to risk it and pass on the rather expensive crutches) I was sent home with orders to stay off of it for 10 days (I WISH!) After much protesting, Tory has convinced me not to run on it since then. I think he has been right about this so far- it feels ok during the day but is usually pretty sore, stiff, and swollen in the evenings. I'd like to do some low-impact cardio, but so far all I have gotten away with is walking the dog. This week should have been the 5-mile week... the halfway point. I haven't done the 5 mile run and the OCD maniac inside of me is terrified that I will completely fall off the wagon if I don't maintain my schedule and routine. I am eager to get going again, just to prove to myself that a few days off hasn't ruined any progress I made in getting myself back into running shape.
 |
| Happy Ankle |
 |
| Unhappy Ankle |
 |
| REALLY Unhappy Ankle |
No comments:
Post a Comment