MCM training is officially underway. I don't have any pictures for you today, I decided not to press my luck any farther trying to run with my phone. Yesterday morning the alarm went off at 5:30 and it was time to get my butt in gear. I didn't sleep well the night before, I was too keyed up and I kept waking up to make sure I wasn't over sleeping (despite having set 2 alarms). I ate my usual pre-run breakfast and headed out the door, giving myself 30 minutes to get lost on the way to the meetup spot. I got there without incident and there were a few people already waiting. Everyone was super-friendly and laid back. I was still really nervous, I had no clue how fast any of them run and I didn't want to be alone. I'm really self-conscious about my pace, like there is something wrong with it that I should be ashamed of. We headed out on the course together but spread out pretty quickly. I was alone for a while, but there were people in front of and behind me so I didn't actually feel alone. By the midway point I was with an older women who was training with her sister to run her first marathon. We didn't really chat but just having a body next to me kept me moving. The one thing I could tell from the beginning was that I was not hydrated enough from the beginning and I wasn't going to have enough fluids to get me through the distance. Dammit.
My confidence is really low and I know it is going to be my biggest struggle during this experience. Despite running a 1/2 mary about 3 weeks ago I still didn't believe I could head out and run 8 miles. I also didn't think I'd be able to run without pushing myself too hard. I know that the long runs are meant to be run slower than marathon pace but my brain hasn't caught on yet. All runs have to be as fast as I can make them. Ugh. The first 4 were in 42:21 and the second 4 were in 43:10 for a final time of 1:25:31. I was glad to be done but I wasn't exhausted either. My low back and my hips were hurting a fair bit. I blame my back on the weights I did on Thursday night but my hips have always been a source of trouble for me. I need to talk to my trainer and see if he can recommend a few exercises to strengthen my hips and my hamstrings. I don't want another injury. Next week we do 10 miles, which I shouldn't worry about but I will anyways. And I'm already fretting about getting in enough runs during the week before next Saturday. What a hot mess. I think I've got every running book on the planet on my nightstand right now and none of them seem to be what I'm looking for. If someone can recommend a book, blog, etc that helps with the mental part of athletic performance I would be grateful. In a general funk this weekend, so any love you leave me would be most appreciated.
The only thing I can tell you is to try and relax. Because you can plan plan plan...do everything right..and race day will still be whatever it will. So try not to worry...and enjoy your training
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to head out with a running group! Running with others is always so much better.
ReplyDeleteI really like RUN:the mind body method of running by feel...but others have said it can take a while to get into. It is a little more technical in the beginning but I got into it toward the middle. I also like Running Within which is the "older" version of the first and talks about positive mantras, etc. I am all about positive mantras (even though I am not always great at remembering to use them!)
Have a wonderful week!
I completely agree with Claire. It doesn't do you any good to waste energy stressing because you really can't control anything. Try to stay relaxed and remember that you are capable of anything. As hard as it can be try to stay postivie!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week and I will definitely be thinking about you.
Never underestimate the mind body connection. You can do whatever your mind believes it can do, nothing less.
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