My thoughts and feelings have come full circle... many times over, have been influenced by others, and hindered by myself. I seem to be on a permanent roller-coaster ride, the locking mechanism securely fastened and stuck! Get me outta this thing!
Intimidated: bought the Nike+ kit, bought a pair of running shoes, and went out for a run. Ouch, that hurt.
Pride: Stuck with it, started seeing progress, and was feeling easier, ever so slightly.
Intrigue and Interest: found myself wanting to run more often, starting searching running stuff on the internet, and came across a few running blogs
Excited: Trained and signed up for a 10k race
Motivated: As friends (real-life) found out that I was running, I was talked into to join a half marathon running clinic with a friend -- made some amazing lifelong friends starting the first night!
Intimidated: Saw the training plan and distances, what did I just get myself into!?
Encouraged: I might actually do this! These people are awesome, and I'm sticking with the training plan! Started my own blog, and finding others. Always an incredible source for encouragement.
Excited: Half Marathon Day, running with a friend, first race medal, I finished!
Fear: Stopped running after first half, cannot walk. Hip flexor injury, out for a month. Will I ever be able to run again?
Cautious: Got the ok to run again... take it easy.
Frustration: Couldn't run the next race that I was registered for due to the injury. That sucked.
Encouraged: Training picking up again, things are feeling good... phew.
Excited: 15k evening race, tough run, but finished, then beer and burgers with friends!
Fear: 2 days later unable to walk. Shin in absolute pain with every step... like Jay is hacking at my shin with an axe, like you would to chop a tree down
Frustration: Stress fractures.
Defeat: Now what. This sucks, again! Why do I even want to do this?
Intimidation: told to cycle or swim during recovery time. Went to the pool, too bored with trying to 'water run', so I tried swimming a lap.... I ran a half marathon, surely this should be easy. TOTALLY.HUMBLED.
Fear: after 7 weeks of no running, recovered and got the ok to run. How will it feel?
Happy: 6 months of rebuilding, things are feeling good, signed up for the race that I couldn't do the previous year, on track for safely increasing mileage.
Excited: Race day was here and I was toeing the line! Rain and all. Didn't matter. Felt awesome, and caught up to others in my running group that I didn't expect to see until after the race!
Shocked: I finished the race UNINJURED! Incredible!
Encouraged: this race was a perfect lead up to a spring marathon. Encouraged by those in my running group that I caught up to, Jay and the blogosphere, I signed up for the marathon a few days later! Still time to increase distance safely!
Intimidated: OMG, what did I just sign up for!
Hopeful: Training going well
Worry: 2 weeks until marathon day... weird pain in my calf, same leg as stress fractures.
Hopeful: 10k race 1 week before marathon, ran as a training run only, feeling good.
Nervous: Marathon day is here...
Hopeful: Race starts, leg feels good, so far.
Fear: 8k into the marathon, my leg is starting to hurt. Big time.
Powerful and powerless: both at the same time. I've worked for this, I've done the training, I've overcome a helluva lot, I am strong!... sigh, but I don't know that I'll make...
Defeat: 35.98k... told by paramedics not to continue. DNF. Missed seeing my dad by 200 meters. Mother's Day flowers from Terron given to me in the med tent rather than at the finish line.
Fear: Can't walk. Can't put any weight on my leg.
Frustration: Here we go again. Why do I even bother? Stress fracture, and calf muscle injury.
Resentful: on crutches, can't use the air cast this time because of the location of the stress fracture. Walking across a wet pool floor with crutches sucks, and should be considered a sport.
Shock: laps are getting easier, and I'm enjoying myself!? Cycling is proving to be enjoyable too!
Questioning: Hmmm, why not search for a triathlon clinic! Then I won't have to give up swimming & cycling when I can run again -- why not make it a threesome! :D
Excitement: Found a triathlon clinic not far away, that starts tomorrow, coached by someone I already know and like!
Uneasy: For the beginning of the clinic, still can't run
Nervous: Got the ok to run... with rules.
Excitement: Cycling has been awesome! Swimming has improved! Running is slowly rebuilding again.
Excitement: First triathlon is in the books, I'm a triathlete! Looking for another one!
Pride: Terron's first triathlon is in the books, HE'S a triathlete! Cannot wait until next year to do as many as he can!
Frustration: Lower legs burn with every step during second triathlon... but I finish
Hopeful: Purchase a base building training plan -- let's hope that going back to basics pays off
Excitement: Complete 10 week triathlon swim clinic, and decide to join a Masters swim/Triathlon team!
Hopeful: Let's see what 2010 will bring...
We all run the gamut of emotions throughout our training, we all have our good and bad moments, and the bad ones eventually make us stronger, and make us appreciate the good ones even more.
Yes, I know this was a long post... but now do you see why I second guess everything I do? Why I am extremely cautious with my training, especially when it comes to speed and distances, and hum and haw about registering for things? Sometimes I feel like I'm too conservative, taking it too easy, not challenging myself enough, but seeing the above in writing, I sorta think it's justified and that I'm doing the right thing for me. Thank you all for your encouragement and support... it's meant more to me than I can ever express.
But there's no doubting the fact that I wish I had the ability and confidence to start a tri season with a Sprint Triathlon on a whim.... like these two (and probably others that I'm forgetting right now... sorry), and then finish the first season with Ironman 70.3 like Marci! I know we're all different, I'm not comparing myself to anyone, I'm proud of my accomplishments... I just wish it was easier sometimes.
I will continue reaching for my goals... just might take me a little longer to get there! :)
25 comments:
I'm always inspired and amazed that you've always find ways to keep yourself active, even when you've been given restrictions because of injuries.
BTW, would you suggest visiting a sports therapist for advice on "fixing" running problems? I've had foot problems lately and went to a podiatrist but I think all he would be good for would be to fix foot problems, and not give me suggestions on looking at my problems holistically.
You are inspiring Mel, keep it up!
Quite a bumpy ride, indeed. I'm hopeful that 2010 is AWESOME for you!!!
What I find awesome, is that your started off as a runner, then due to injuries, had to re think and rehab, which in turn, accidentally made you a triathlete, an event that is tougher then a running race, its weird how things make us tougher.
I'm loving these end of year reflection posts. I should do some of my own.
You've had quite the roller coaster ride, but I give you BIG KUDOS for always going back for more!
I agree - most people would have stopped completely. You are doing awesome and following the plan. Keep at it!
I really enjoyed reading the ups and downs of your training. It really does put training into perspective and I think you have done an awesome job finding adjustments to your routine so that you could continue on with your training. I have to remind myself not to get so down when my training is not going so well. I'm really hard on myself and agree that those moments are what make us stronger both in mind and body. Cheers!
Just for second imagine your life without all of this.... even with the frustrations of set-backs i would take what WE DO anyday!!
You keep rocking it girl!!!
Wow. You certainly have had a lot of bumps, but what's really awesome is you keep on going! You rock!
Ah yes, the "ride of Life"....keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times!!!!
At least it keeps your blog interesting. ;o)
Can't wait to here what 2010 brings.
You are going to have a great 2010. Swimming has helped improve my performance in both biking and running. You are going to love it!
Wow...what a wide range of emotions - yet through it all, you stuck with it and never gave up! That's so incredibly inspiring. You are going at this the smart way and it will all pay off for you in 2010!!!
you've definitely had your share of ups and downs but you continue to persevere! i have loved following along and look forward to seeing what you get yourself into in 2010 ;)
not gonna lie, when i got down to the post-marathon section i pictured the 'flamingo' stance again :)
I remember the crazy amount of elation and shock when I realized that I finished my first race injury free (it wasn't the first OR second race that I did).
I love new years. You get to set a bunch of goals and wipe the slate clean. Can't wait to read the 2010 goals post!
You have had one hell of a ride :) can't wait to see what happens in 2010!
Wow a character-building year to say the least. But you know what? When you do achieve your goal, and you will, it will be all the sweeter because you've worked so darn hard for it, endured so much adversity and had the tenacity to bounce back! May 2010 be your bounce-back year!
What a great recap and a great post to look back on to keep you focused on the goals ahead! Well done!
loved the recap :) cant wait to see you reach all those 2010 goals!
You take as long as you want to reach those goals Mel. I just know you can and will reach them. ;)
I love this post! I'm so sorry that you went through ALL that, how frustrating! I'm on injury number 2 for the year and I still feel like my goals are attainable... it's just taking longer. I think injuries make victory that much sweeter. Good luck in 2010.
I find myself struggling as well. You never give up though, and just look what you have accomplished!
If it were easy Mel, everyone would do it!
Don't ever compare yourself to anyone else, you are unique and should be VERY proud of your accomplishments....
xoxoxo
I've learned to try not to compare myself with these awesome bloggers who go out and run multiple marathons the year they start running, or BQ on like their 2nd marathon, because that is not and will never be me. But that's ok, we go at our own pace, set our own goals...that's the beauty of the sport in my opinion. You're doing awesome!!
This was a great post!!! (I'm behind on my reader so forgive the belated comment) I love it! I am right there with you!!! 2010 is going to be a great year for you Mel, you have an entire year of experience to draw from!
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