...because I'm done with this season of training with USAFit! Woohoo, I can't believe it's over - all that is left is our goal race this Sunday. The season runs for 24 weeks, but because the organizer role fell into my lap unexpectedly, I've been in full-on planning mode for a lot longer. I was asked to take on this role a couple of years ago and declined; I really just wanted to concentrate on my running. However, when everything fell apart this spring, I took it on, and surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I think - no, I KNOW - that this is due in big part to my coaches, who all were very willing to take on whatever needed to be done; you'd be surprised at all the backstage stuff that needs to happen in order to make a group run comfortable and fun. We had a good time and I think our runners did, too - but I'm not going to lie...it'll be nice to not have to wake up quite so early on Saturday for a while. We're still going to run, but not as early (thank you, winter coolness), and not as far (thank you, off-season).
So, you can see that I had some pretty big distractions going on this season. I think it helped get me out of my anxiety-ridden head for the most part - I'd be making my announcements to our runners, answering any route-related questions, and then boom - we were off and running! In the beginning, we had so many brand-new runners that I was busy keeping an eye on them and how they were doing (and also, I really worried about everyone when they crossed the street...found myself wanting our runners to hold hands and look both ways, which goes to show, once a mom, always a mom). Amy and I usually were the last to start - we'd run together and catch up to some of our slower runners (it was funny how we'd realize they were improving by how much longer it took us to catch them), chat with them for a bit, and then run on...and then we'd be done. Not a lot of stressing over the run, which was nice.
Unfortunately, I injured my hamstring in September, which messed up my training and is still nagging me, even after rest, physical therapy, and easing back into running. A couple of months ago, I didn't know if I'd even be able to make this race; I'm glad to say that I will be at the starting line, although it won't quite be the run I'd anticipated. Having to let go of expectations only bruised my ego a little bit...lucky for me I'm not really a competitive person. And, it's crazy but since both Amy and I relaxed our time/pace expectations (she's been dealing with plantar fasciitis all season), we've ended up having the most fun during our long runs, laughing, chatting with other runners, doing the limbo under a gate, spotting bunnies and deer and squirrels (oh my!) - the miles really seem to fly by.
I've put in the work, but I can't say that I'm really ready, since my longest run this season was only 9 miles (it should have been 12). That said, I am looking forward to the race on Sunday; it's going to be so fun to see our USAFit members complete their journey, especially the first-timers, and I suspect that Amy and I will have quite the adventure ourselves!
Oh I love your running group and running friends so much even though I'm not even a part of it. I can't say it enough, I just wished I could join your group because it's everything I look for in a running group and you can't find that here. Here it's all competitive plus they run for an hour for example. You can't join a group that trains for a half (that is: I haven't found it here).
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying following your preparation for this race, all the fun things you organized and I'm sure I'm going to enjoy the race report because you had so many setbacks: crossing the finish line Sunday is a huge victory for you.
You go girl! You can do this!
Consider yourself a virtual member, Fran - heck, you'd do well with Runner's Bingo with all of the animals you see! I wish you could find a group like ours; I know you'd love it.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement! :)
GOOD LUCK!!! I cant wait to see the recap. A few weeks from now :-) when youve rested and processed and fully enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteThanks! But if I wait that long, I'll forget everything that happened. ;)
DeletePoor you and Amy - Team Running Wounded! I'm excited for you to actually be able to go all the way through a training season AND get to do your goal race. Every run is always it's own animal anyway, whether you're injured or at 100% is only one of the factors. I hope you guys enjoy every step!
ReplyDeleteWe plan on enjoying ourselves - this is going to be a race to remember, that's for sure!
DeleteEven with the injury (was it only September??) it does seem like you've been more relaxed about your running this year. Its been fun to see all the fun stuff you've organized for everyone else to enjoy--no wonder your club has so many new runners!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely was a fun season, despite the injury. :)
Delete24 weeks!!! Do you know how many months that is?
ReplyDeleteGood luck on Sunday. Looking forward to hearing all about it. I had a great half last month, and my longest run was just 8 miles (plus 2 walk/running after, gotta love helping out a training group!)
It's a LOT of months, I know!!! Crazy.
DeleteI can't believe that was 24 weeks long. I also cannot believe 24 weeks has passed since you started. It seemed like you really made it a lot of fun for the runners, so whomever follows you will have big shoes to fill!
ReplyDeleteThanks - actually, I think I'll be doing this one more time before hopefully handing over the reins to my O-I-T.
DeleteI had to laugh about the part of wanting the runners to hold hands crossing the street! Love it!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that you've let the anxiety go, and just go out there and have fun - at least you aren't on the sidelines! Hugs!
You and the running gang are ALL inspirational!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck at your race!!! :) It's cool that you've had a friend to run with all along, even while you've been recovering. And how neat to be able to watch other runners improving! I'm always happy when I see that, since running was new and really challenging for me not that long ago.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shelley for all your hard work this season. You and the other coaches have done a fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andi! :)
DeleteYou seriously killed it as organizer! So proud of you!! Have a GREAT race!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erica! :)
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