I loved the suggestions given to me last Thursday in an effort to get my running motivation back on track. I loved them so much that I pretty much implemented all of them this past weekend.
1. Create a plan.
I already had a plan mapped out leading up to the Colorado Marathon on May 6th- but I wasn’t super excited about it. It was a generic plan that I was not sure would get me the speed I needed to break 4 hours. I’m a really new runner and I need to be pushed and find my speedy legs.
Then a friend back east, whom I admire a ton as an athlete (BQ’ed her first marathon, and qualified for Kona in her first Ironman), willingly wrote me a track workout for Friday morning. She and I also discussed a training plan that revamped how I would execute my long runs. Talking to Kendra about the training plan made me excited to start to train and document my improvement. So excited that I got up at 530am on a Friday to do quarter mile sprint repeats like she asked me to. I plan to do a post about the plan once Kgo and I work through all of the details. Thanks for the help, Kendra- I really, really, really appreciate it!
2. Dont force yourself. Just party instead.
I liked this suggestion- you guys are smart! If I am still feeling burnout from Ironman, jumping into an intense training plan is not going to help. I interpreted this suggestion as “calm the eff down, go snowboarding, drink beer, and eat cookies”. So, um, that is what I did on Saturday.
3. Run with a friend/ Dont wear your Garmin/ Join a running group
On Sunday morning I met up with Liz, Marco, and our new Colorado blogging friend, Erin for a 10 mile run down the beautiful Cherry Creek trail. I did not wear my Garmin, so I had no idea what our pace was. I turned around when Liz said to and just enjoyed being outside and chatting with 3 friends for 10 miles. It was really fun!
I also plan to run on Wednesday evenings with Runners Roost- a Colorado running store that hosts runs (for the DC people- it is like Pacers). I am excited to meet fellow runners, including Courtney, for a mid week social run.
I plan to ease back into the training- I’m still not totally motivated- but having a training plan which I am excited about, and tons of friends to run with, makes it easier to tie my shoelaces and get out of the door. Oh, and my Garmin is fully charged for the first time in over 2 months so that’s a good start.
Running + Snowboarding + beer + cookies +friends = a successful weekend.
10 miles definitely was much better for me too with you guys. We have to make it a regular thing!
It sounds like you have a plan and are on track! I want to snowboard and drink beer and eat cookies! I think this sounds like the best idea of all! And I am in love with your ski jacket! So cute!
Thanks! I actually got it off of Craigslist for $60! The brand is Bonfire. I like that it is girly looking and warm. Many of the jackets I tried on I just looked like a puff ball- and not even a stylish puff ball.
5:30AM? Willingly? It sounds like you have gotten your mojo back!
“Running + Snowboarding + beer + cookies +friends” = I want to move to Colorado!
yes, yes, move to Colorado. All the cool kids are doing it.
I’ve been doing some intense eating intervals… that’s about it. Not sure if this is due to my prolonged shin splint recovery with no running, or just an extended IM depression.
Keep up the great work!
Oh those cookies look good
And I always think running with friends is better than running by yourself.
The title of your post is amazing! I knew there would be a quality post to follow! Glad you are finding your feet
I think you’re taking the right approach – just ride it out until you get that spark back. Baby steps (like charging your Garmin) make it that much easier to tackle the big steps. And most importantly, HAVE FUN!
I’m glad you took everyone’s advice and had a fun weekend!
We totally gotta go for another run again soon. I had a blast. Maybe even a puppy play date!
sounds like you guys had a great time! i absolutely love efo! can’t wait to meet you either!
stumbled onto your blog and just wanted to show some blog luv! def enjoyed this post!
http://infinitelifefitness.com
http://mscomposure.blogspot.com
I approve of this message (drink beer!)