And that’s ok.
But it’s a hard lesson to learn, no?
After getting so excited about an easy 3 miler (an accomplishment around these parts lately), yesterday I hesitated hopping on the treadmill. Part of me was scared that it wouldn’t be easy again. Plus my left hip has been bugging me since yesterday’s run (for those of you counting, that’s a new pain – my right hip is the one I had problems with this year).
Eventually I sucked it up and got started. And I was right, it wasn’t easy. Not only it was hard, but I started having odd pains on my foot. My left foot, that battles plantar fasciitis on and off (if only I kept up with the PT and stretching, no?) was not cooperating. Not PF this time, but shooting pain up the foot. WTF! (But maybe it’s bruised from the 4 massages I had in one week period? Highly likely.)
So after a mile I figured there’s no point injuring myself. I’m so paranoid about injuries that I rather take it easy than push it through.
I changed the pace to a brisk walk instead, and the pain went away, I still ran a bit here and there once it stopped hurting, but I had already lost my running mojo. I finished with a barefoot half-mile walk with a little bit of running thrown in there, completing a 5k with a 12:47 pace at the end. Slow? YES!!! But slow is better than nothing. And though I still see walking as defeat, it’s still better than sitting my ass on the couch.
Hard runs are confidence killers, but I have to remind myself that even after amazing double digit runs on weekends when I was training for marathons last year, sometimes I would have a crappy 3 mile run home from work and had to walk most of it. So just because I had a bad run, doesn’t mean it’s all lost.
Tomorrow I’ll try again.
Excellent attitude! I feel exactly the same way, especially lately.
By the way – I got the sock, and tried it for the first time last night. Apparently, I didn’t like it – I woke up, and it was across the room. I must have woken up in the middle of the night and taken it off, but don’t remember that at all! Guess I’ll have to try again tonight…
Hahaha, it took a while until I could sleep through the night with the sock (except I remember waking up in the middle of the night and removing the thing). But even a little should help, no?
Now I just remembered that I haven’t seen the sock since we moved… I should probably start wearing it again.
I love your perspective. I had a super sh!tty run this AM too. But the hard runs make us stronger in the end. I try to always remember that.
Sorry I sent my shitty run mojo over your way! I guess the crappy runs make us appreciate the good ones that much more!
Very true! So many variables can make your run stellar or less than. But a run is a run is a run….and when it is done it always feels great that you did it!
I like that: a run is a run is a run… So true! I think it’s hard to remember that even bad runs are still working towards your goals.
Just as long as you are trying and doing SOMETHING that makes you sweat–it’s good. All sweat is good sweat! It’s going to take time to be where you want to be and as runners we def. have our bad/good runs. Don’t get discouraged!
Yep, all sweat is definitely good sweat! But the hard ones are still tough to swallow…
Carla,
Who said running is easy. Take it one step at a time. You are my inspiration. I have been following your blog for a while but have never commented. Love your blog – it keeps me motiviated to push forward. I ran the NYCM this past weekend. My first marathon ever. I ran it in over 6 hours but will continue to run to improve my time next year.
The good thing about slow first marathons is that it’s a guaranteed PR next time, no? 🙂
I’m glad I keep you motivated! Now I just need to find someone to motivate me!
Hey Carla – I love your blog! I just ran for the first time in a week – 11 minute miles. We should run together! Are you up for some early runs next week? Hope you are having fun in Taipei! Jenny
Thanks, Jenny! I just emailed you, we should totally run!
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