Friday, May 16, 2014

Love/Hate

The first real week of running after taking time off sucks. Those runs are so hard...but they're amazing, too. Every step of the run is a fight and you remember so clearly how easy it used to be.

You think: I have run half marathons. I can eat a 4-miler for breakfast. Why is three miles killing me right now? It totally sucks.

But you're also so grateful that you're running again...you hardly even mind the suck. It's kind of awesome how strong and weak you can feel at the same time.

This, folks, is why I love running.
This week I've gotten in two runs, and I plan to have a third this weekend. It's all part of recovering at a smart pace. Monday I did just under three miles with Kristin. We kept a slow, steady pace, and I felt really good - not too winded, strong legs.
Post-run sweaty picture.
I foam-rolled afterward and took Tuesday off. Then I ran again Wednesday. There must have been a wildfire nearby, because I ran through some pretty thick, pungent smoke. I parked a little farther away so I could add some distance to my route if I wanted to, and I planned to do between three and four miles based on comfort.
Pre-run...ready to get going!
The muggy, windless evening and the smoke really took a toll on me. The run was rough. I kept telling myself, "You can slow down as much as you want, but you cannot stop." My first two miles were pretty fast, and my last split was almost a full minute slower; but that's okay, because I didn't stop.
Post-run, super "glowy" and relieved to be finished.
My legs felt fine, but my chest was truly burning by the end. Neither of these runs were as effortless as they "should" have been for just three miles. But that's okay. There was a time I couldn't jump back in and complete that distance; I'd have to start back at a single mile, or build in walk breaks. I'm proud of the progress I've made, and I know I'll be running longer distances soon.

We have seven school days left. I can't believe we've made it to this point! This year has flown by, but it's slowing to a crawl with the end so near. (Funny how that happens!) Next week is going to be absolutely chaotic, but I know it'll be worth it in the end. It always is.

Ever had a fabulous, suck-tastic run?
What do you love about the physical effort of running?

ABK

15 comments:

  1. Great job girl for not stopping....that voice in your head is the hardest thing to overcome...and you did it! AWESOME

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  2. I love your headbands!!! Where are they from? I totally get the suck-tastic run thing this week. I took a bunch of time off post-Boston and since I had this 10 day cold!!! My two runs this week sucked big time, but I really loved being out there. Awesome job!

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    1. These are from Bic Band, but stay tuned...I'll have a giveaway for my other favorite bands (Bondi Bands) in a couple weeks! :o)

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  3. Girl, I am right where you are right now... trying to ease back into running but it's an EFFORT. 5 miles to me right now is what 10 miles used to be to me.

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    1. Yes! Exactly! It's so frustrating because I just want to fast-forward to the point where my usual is easy(ier) again!

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  4. You rock girlfriend! I love that you keep going, no matter your pace! You rock! Your progress has been amazing! Keep rockin' it! :)
    Good luck with the last week of school!!!!!

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  5. Oh I know how you feel about the love/hate of running...but one of my favorite parts is pushing yourself not to give up! I had a 5 mile run yesterday that felt more awesome than I've felt in ages, but knowing me I'll probably have a crappy run tomorrow!

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    1. Agreed, it's seriously the best to push through and feel accomplished afterward! I'm glad you had a great 5-miler!

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  6. I think one of the running brands should put you in an ad or commercial - you look awesome before *and* after a run!

    During hard runs I like to think "if it were easy, everyone one do it." And then I have a 10 minute debate with myself over whether that's an egotistical thing to think?!

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    1. haha you are SO sweet! I think my good post-pictures are a sign I don't push myself hard enough!

      Internal debates: a great way to keep yourself distracted as you finish a run!

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  7. coming back from time off is one of the worst feelings ever! no matter how fast you were after your last run before the time off, your first run back always feels like you could just die! I have just started coming back after my track season so I know what you are going through right now!

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    1. Exactly...even putting in full effort, the pace just isn't there. I can't wait to get back to where I was.

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    2. the best advice I have ever gotten from coaches about returning back (from time off after a season or injury) is the just relax and take it slow and BE PATIENT! Of course thats not always easy! Hopefully it won't take you too long to get back to your old paces

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