Running is such a roller coaster ride. This spring I felt on top of the world. I had a laser-like focus on my marathon goal and while each run was far from good, I could tell my fitness was improving. I continually felt stronger, fitter and faster.
After taking seven weeks off from running due to an ankle injury, running was harder than ever and it certainly wasn’t fun. Luckily, that all changed when I accidentally ran 16 miles with Melissa six weeks after my return. I enjoyed the run and her company so much, I promised to run the New York City Marathon with her on November 3.
That promise didn’t seem too ambitions until four days later when I managed to drop a book on my toe. The result of my klutziness was another week off from running. If you’re keeping track, between June and September I spent a total of eight weeks off.
Eight weeks of inactivity isn’t a big deal, but I’m learning just how hard it is to come back to this sport. My goals for the second half of the year keep shifting and my brain keeps playing new games. The good in all of this is that I almost always learn from my injuries even if they aren’t running related.
This past Sunday I ran the Bronx 10 Mile Race as a part of a long run with Melissa. It wasn’t an easy run by any means, but it gave me the confidence boost I so badly needed to keep huffing and puffing on.
In the end I have to remind myself of what I tell new clients: If you stick with it long enough it will be fun and it will feel easier!
How’s your training going lately? Have you had to deal with any setbacks this year?
how do you feel after 8 weeks off? this is my week #6 off and I’m so demotivated
It definitely changed my motivation level. Right before the first injury I was really excited to train hard and reach for my next goal, now I’m just trying to not suck at running. I feel as though I’ll never get back to where I was, but deep down I know that isn’t true. I’m trying to let the thoughts of my spring marathon fuel the fire.
I’ve been pretty blessed and only had minor setbacks this year (wonky ankle messed me up for a little bit but not long) and a recent illness that had me down for the count for a while but nothing more than that really. Last year was a HUGE year of setbacks for me, it happens but you get through it and when you do- the renewed sense of motivation is huge!
This spring I trained for my first-ever half-marathon, and felt on top of the world!! I followed a plan and was very careful to not increase my mileage by more than 10% every week… but I got running knee (on both knees), and even now, five months (and plenty of PT appointments) later, I still can’t go running.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep up your motivation when it might be months before you can even attempt running again?