I'm sure you all know from my
blog posts that have highlighted my struggles this past year with sciatic pain
that I've been sidelined from running for awhile now.
This past week
I was able to get to the gym
and fit in 3 treadmill workouts so far.
YOU GUYS.
Running is
HARD.
I think I took for granted
just what difficult of a task it is for my body
when I was running almost daily last year and earlier this year.
By no means have I ever been a speedster,
but I used to be able to easily run 4-6 miles at a moderate pace
without feeling like I was dying at least.
This week I've only managed to run 2 miles at a time.
I've still had some slight pain and irritation in the sciatic area when I run
which seems to get even worse the faster I run
so I've kept the runs on the slower side.
I know it's unneccessary and counter-productive to spend much time
comparing myself to others and their running paces/miles logged weekly.
{easier said than done when I read a bunch of running blogs every day}
The thing is, though...I can't seem to stop comparing myself to myself.
There's no doubt that I've lost some physical fitness during this hiatus
but I'm desperately trying not to let that get me down mentally.
Because if I feel badly about my pace/performance now...
there's a chance I'll just give up completely.
{I'm like that sometimes.}
So-
in order to get back
into a self-motivating mentality
I've decided to start training for a race again.
I'm planning on running
{same race I ran this year}
in February.
The BEST news
though
is that
has decided to run it with me!!
{our first race together ever!}
Having Sarah to compare training notes with
and possibly do a few training runs together
will definitely keep me motivated to work hard
at the goals I've set for myself.
Ideally I will run it faster this year than last...
but I realize that might be difficult considering my recent hiatus.
I'm going to think positively in spite of it all
and assume I can do it with some hard work and dedication.
I'm still planning on taking the running slowly these next couple of weeks
to ensure that my body is ready to get back into the swing of it
and that I don't re-injure myself in the process.
I'm.pumped.
***********************************
What's your favorite form of winter exercise?
Definitely running still, but videos and yoga are also awesome right now!
***********************************
9 comments:
Anyone that runs gets high fives from me!! I've never been able to and will probably never try again (bad knees) but I do like the elliptical machine (no impact!).
you are superwoman! such an inspiring post:) my mom has sciatic nerve pain sometimes and i know what an awful thing it can be--blessings and prayers to you as you embark on your running journey! and how fabulous to have a friend to run with you!
Well, to make you feel better, you can compare yourself to me (you do look like me). I just got a plan for cardio from Josh, and it is slow for most people, but it will probably kill me. 30 seconds on 30 seconds off at 4.0 and incline of 4. And as of today, I have lost 17.5lbs
Stay strong!! Love you!
I always need some sort of incentive or competition in the winter to keep motivated! This month my co-workers and I are doing 31 days=31 miles. Which has been MUCH harder to keep up with than I thought... because I'm tying to do 31 miles in addition to my normal workout schedule- spinning, pilates, weight training, etc....
We'll see.. so far 11.5 miles in 14 days, I have some catching up to do!
Oh, Stephanie. I know I am going to be feeling exactly this way in a few months when I start running again post-baby. I'm sure I won't be running my 7:30 miles for 10+ miles for a few months and it'll kill me as I compare myself to how I used to run.
I'll plan on setting small goals for myself and chill-axin'! Hope it works.
And great job getting back your running mojo.
My daughter encouraged me to take the Zumba class that was at the same time as her dance class. Found that I love it! It totally kick my ass, but in a totally fun, good way. Yes, I have had to ask the instructor how to modify some of the steps due to my size. One had a hip shaking thing going on that had a bit too much jiggle for my liking as my butt was still coming forward when my hip was already trying to head to the back. But aside from that, super fun!
I'm so glad you're back in the game! That run sounds cool!
Sounds like the perfect way to stay motivated! There are some runs in the spring that I'm considering running with friends, and that always makes it more fun. I've been running a lot - not a lot of miles, but often, and taking yoga and Pilates. Our weather in Dallas has been all over the place!
stephanie, you will get back to your previous running level, so stop comparing yourself! I did that a year ago, and all it did was get me in trouble with my self. Now I intend to just run for fun and enjoyment, and if I'm faster or slower than before no one will know but me.
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