Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Wednesday Workout Update

I ran less miles last week - about 8.5 - but considering that I only did intervals on Saturday, I ran more of those miles than ever before.  It's becoming evident to me that the distance, while still a physical challenge, is more of a mental thing to me...I'm holding myself back, and I'm sure a lot of that is fear of hurting myself again.  I've got to get over that.  Each time I complete a run, I feel like I dodged a bullet, which is a little ridiculous at this point as I'm fine.  Any little twinge I feel is just a normal part of running.  I don't have to baby myself any more.  Gah - sometimes I think I need to write "YOU'RE FINE" on my forearm so I can be reminded of that during my long run!

The run on Saturday was 4.5 miles and I'm happy to report that I made it to the end - the picture below was taken after we finished.  I ran for a mile, then walked for a minute, times infinity.  OK, not that long, but it began to feel like it, especially when I had to keep running beyond the mile markers that Coach Dale had set out, because I was actually covering a mile PLUS about 300 feet (for that minute of walking) - that started to mess with my mind a bit.  So I think that for the next long run, I'll completely abandon any set walking breaks and just go with the flow and see how far I can push myself (mentally as will as physically, because no matter what, I usually want to stop running about 20 feet into it) before I need to take a quick breather.

As it was St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, I dressed for the occasion...would you expect anything less of me?  Haha, I think not.  Naturally, I wore as much green as possible - after the run Coach Jessica was standing next to me and observed that even my pony-tail holder was green...in fact, I was wearing green in seven  places  - can you pick out all seven (hint: I'm pointing to another)?
Warm enough to break out my running skirt, Casper-legs be damned, lol!

The pictures above show some of my favorite parts about running:  we've just finished a long run, we're standing around for a little bit rehashing everything, my body is good and tired, I feel like I've accomplished something, and it's only 8:30 on a Saturday morning!

22 comments:

  1. that is my fave err ARE MY FAVE things about cardio too.
    done.
    chatting.
    still the arsecrack :) of dawn.

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  2. That's my favorite part too: the fact that I'm done early Saturday morning and have accomplished something. Great feeling.

    I'd say try to see how far you can go without walking breaks but I don't have to tell you that you shouldn't push yourself too far, meaning you're really tired before you take your break. From my own experience a run always sucks after waiting too long. But I think it's good you're trying this, especially for the mental part of being afraid to get hurt again which I totally understand.

    You're a rockstar Shelley!

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  3. Shelley - You are SO CUTE in these pictures (and always).
    I agree, getting home from a run early in the am, knowing that most people haven't even gotten up yet, makes me feel like a rockstar.

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  4. How about "You're FINE, keep running!" as the mantra you begin to say when your left brain kicks in? Every runner needs a mantra at some point, sometimes even on runs that are supposed to feel easier. I use mine a couple times a week at least :D

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  5. Can I assume you are wearing green underwear too! I love it when you are all matchy! :D

    Running is so mind over matter - I wish I was one of those naturally talented runners, but I have to remind myself to get past the first 10 minutes, and then I get into my rhythm. It's trying NOT to stop in the first 10 minutes that's rough for me!

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    1. No green undies only because I don't own any, but must remedy that for next year! ;)

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  6. 8:30 in the morning!?! Golly gee willickers!!! Now THAT is impressive! You look good in that green color.

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  7. You lookgreat - and I love the color of your shoes with the green ensemble. Tres bien!

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  8. Do you wear your glasses when you run?

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    1. Yes, I have to...my Rx is so wonky that I have no depth perception w/o my glasses.

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  9. Must have been festive green undies...haha I wore a green shirt that day too, but not for running..just for shopping. Saw a leprechaun downtown. A very small man all decked out in a green suit & hat! So fun.
    So happy for you to be back at it, dearie.
    Chrissy

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  10. I love all your green! I agree there is nothing that makes you feel better than working out early and having that awesomeness follow you around all day!! You Go Girl!!!

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  11. Shelley, I am so happy and excited for you that you are back to running!!! I know how much you missed it. Also thrilled for you that your foot is okay - whew! You've given me hope that I might be able to go back to running, too (once I lose some of this extra pudge)...it's taken a long time for my knee/IT band to heal, but you are making me feel hopeful.

    Also love the post-run description - you described it perfectly - what a great feeling!

    Way to go, Shelley!!! xo Debbie

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  12. LOL, I can't find the 7th!

    You look so happy running again. Must be those crazy endorphins. :)

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  13. You look awesome as always and I'm so happy you are back to running. I have 2 more weeks to go and I know how it feels to miss it!

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  14. 7???? I only saw 5! Does that mean your bra and knickers were green too??

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  15. I love that feeling you get after a good workout! you look fantastic!

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  16. You are doing great with your running. Do you still swim? I can't wait for my pool to open so I can do my Shelley Pool Workout!

    Isn't it a wonderful feeling to get some much done before most people are out of bed? I love that.

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