When I first started running back in May every run felt like
a bad run. I hated it. My muscles hurt. I could barley catch my breathe. Every
mile felt like an eternity, but I kept with it. I was committed to training for
my Spartan Race and marathon, plus I wanted to know why every other runner
seemed to be smiling and loving life every time they went for a run.
After a few weeks of consistent training, running became
easier and dare I say it even enjoyable. I was ecstatic about my new passion.
You know that runner’s high feeling, right? I have that feeling after almost
all my runs and last Sunday was no exception. I got to do an 8 mile run with my
dad! It was the best run I have been on in a long time; talking, laughing, and
running with my dad for 8 miles was the best way I could spend a Sunday
morning.
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| Huge shout out to my dad for his distance PR of 8 miles! |
I have four more weeks till my first full marathon and I
still feel that runners high after every run. I am so excited for my race and
so far I haven’t become discouraged by my training. I have been able to finish
all my long runs even when I don't think I can. I have been getting faster and
I feel more confident as a runner. I was feeling so great on Sunday, but when I
headed out for my 20 mile run on Monday things took a turn for the worse.
For the first time in my training I was defeated by a long
run. The first 10k was a breeze, but it all went down hill when I took a
lemonade GU. I was throwing up a mile later, my body was hurting, and my legs
were cramping. In a nut shell my run sucked, and by mile 15 I threw in the
towel and quit. In my cramped state of pain, I found myself questioning why any
human would ever make themselves try to run that far? As I waited for the bus
to come I questioned everything that happened to make something I love so much,
suddenly suck so bad?! I called my dad crying about my cramps and failures as a
runner. I hadn’t experienced this kind of pain or disappointment in myself in a
very long time. My dad was quick to remind me that bad runs are unavoidable. Bad
runs suck and can be soul crushing, but it is all part of the process. For
every bad run there will be a countless number of amazing runs. Take this bad
run as a lesson and try and reflect on potential causes—Robyn are you taking
care of yourself properly with rest and nutrition? Robyn are you stressed out?
Robyn how are you feeling today, both physically and mentally?
I would rather have had my bad run while training than on race
day. I learn something from every run, usually that lesson is on persistence
and mental strength. Last Sunday I learned that it is okay to let go of a run,
but that I must get up and try again. Every day presents me with a fresh opportunity
to run and feel that runners high! If I have an off day that's okay because I
have the resolve to wake up fresh and try again tomorrow! I have had great runs
all week and I look forward to conquering 20 miles on Sunday!
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