I started this post late last year and since then things have changed quite a bit….
I responded to a Facebook post a few weeks ago about what were we going to do in 2017 to top what we had done this year. I thought a bit about this as there are several answers one can give – go all out and want to achieve massive races we’ve not even thought about or be happy with what we’ve done and aim to enjoy the experiences.
Some of you may think that I chose option one, after all my very first race was 21kms with no experience what so ever. No, I chose instead the one that resonates with me. I have achieved so much this year and I’m incredibly proud of that. If you had told me in mid 2014 that by the end of 2016 I would have run over 1000 kms which included a marathon I would have laughed at you. Now, I say?
My response to the question was there was nothing to top. I was going to run the races I wanted to, work on PB’s in the ones I’ve done before (if it’s not to be, respect the reasoning why I didn’t) and enjoy the experiences as I went along.
I have two marathons booked in for this year and my plan is the same as before 1)Finish.
2)Finish still standing.
3)Finish under 5hrs (which would be a new PB).My aim this year is to go forth and enjoy the next part of my journey. Train hard and learn from each session, gain something from each race and above all enjoy it all.
Each race, each training session, no matter how hard or bad we think it is gives us something to learn, gives us new strength. The things I have learnt about myself this year cannot be topped.
The support I have is the best any runner could have. Unwavering and wholehearted. I appreciate every moment, every hug and kiss, every message of it
While most of this remains the same, the big difference is adding in the unknown quantity…injury recovery time.
After having to pull out of my first marathon with my ITB and started dealing with the subsequent recovery period, my priorities have been focused elsewhere. I must recover, and work hard to do so. I have been consistent and will have to be diligent with this for the rest of my running life. I do not want this to happen again. It is driving me nuts having to take it easy and not be able to just get out there and run.
I have a race tomorrow that I had to downgrade to 5k from the 10. Even if had been able to manage the full 10, I knew I wouldn’t be getting a pb on this one (my aim had I been uninjured) so this is, while disappointing, doable as my now current running distance. When I say it hurts, it’s an emotional hurt. I’m not running past the point where it gets that sharp pain, which is around the 4-5k mark. It’s been so long since 5k was my total it feels laughable if it weren’t so serious. It’s all about baby steps, and being careful.
My second marathon I have planned has now been registered for and flights booked. I checked that when I arrive the day before should I feel I cannot do the full I am able to downgrade for the half. This was important, as I would much rather say I had to downgrade and then finish a half than be foolish and attempt the full only to finish it with another DNF. More on this at a later date.
Until then, stay active and train carefully, Jen.
Run. Ride. Eat. 