Starting over sucks. It really, really sucks. I'm not relishing the "fresh start" aspect of starting over. Not one bit. Instead, it's mainly grueling, struggling, hard-as-hell pain trying to get the running back. There's pretty much nothing worse than trying to run when your legs feel like lead, and your body says, "Nope, I forbid you to run.”
For the past month and a half, I have been trying to get my running back. For a while there, I felt like an elephant trying to run. It was very difficult to get back out there again and again, especially after a tough day of three miles!! I put in short distances, first mainly on the road, which gradually lead to trails with some descent elevation gain. Unfortunately, there is little enjoyment.
The only thing that makes this starting over bearable is: 1) I'm not really starting over from scratch. When I first began running in my late thirties, I could not even run a block without practically falling to the ground with my heart exploding, and 2) I know I can do this, because I've done it before -- all it takes is patience and perseverance. That’s simple enough I suppose.
A month and a half ago, I started with distances like 1.5 to 2 miles (in 100 degree Texas weather). I had hoped that my gym workouts would keep me conditioned because I never stopped those. I am here to tell you that those gym workouts did not keep me running conditioned. But I suppose it could have been worse. I am now up to 8 miles of hilly terrain. And that's about as tough as a 50k used to be.
My goal is to get to twenty miles of difficult terrain by the end of January. That's three months. I can probably do it. Actually, I know I can do it. Question is, will I have the perseverance?
Texas Running:
Coordinating Volunteers for Saddleback Goat Marathon:
Wood Canyon:
Working Holy Jim AS @ Twin Peaks 50/50:
Safari (Water Drop) in The Cleveland National Forest:
Top of the World:
Ooh I know exactly where you are. I'm there as well and not running far yet although I'm cycling quite a bit. I will up my running after 15 November when our main cycling goal is done. Hang in there, you will do it.
ReplyDeleteNice to know I'm not the only one and that it is possible to make progress. I re-booted after my 100k and I'm now doing "long" runs of 3 miles on the weekend. For me, it's so hard to be lazy when it's "just 3 miles" on the schedule. Glad to hear you're making progress and still getting out there.
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