Like all vacations, my running vacation had to come to an end. It was good to get a break but, just like real vacations, it’s good to get home and back into the familiar routine again. I’m hoping that a slow ramp up with keep some of the nagging aches and pains quiet as I get going. A short 1.5 mile run coupled with a long walk was enough for me for the first outing. Today I ran 4 miles and finished up with another 2.5 miles of walking. I’ll add another mile at a time if it feels good and by next weekend the plan is to be back on schedule. Regular trips to the gym have helped alleviate my feelings of guilt and I’ve even gotten in 2 open water swims along with an easy, long bike ride.
Coming back from a break unfortunately does not translate into being ready to race. I had registered for the Waconia Tri which is next Sunday, but I’m thinking that I will go and cheer for everyone else and sit this one out. I know I could take my time and actually complete the distances, so that’s not the issue. After taking some time off to try and recharge the batteries and put to rest some nagging pain in my hip, I’m thinking that going the distance on little training will just put me back where I started before the break. It is so tempting to race, but I just keep telling myself that this race is not my goal. The NYC Marathon is my goal. Having fun is my goal. I can’t do either of those things if I’m hurt or unmotivated.
I called the race people to drop my registration in hopes that someone on the waiting list could get a chance to race. They told me that this was the first year that they did not have a wait list. They won’t refund my money anyway so I’m holding on to my race number. If I’m feeling fantastic a week from now, maybe I will change my mind, but I’m trying not to. Who knows. Sometimes it’s hard to sit on the sidelines. If I don’t race, it won’t be too long before I get another shot at it. I’m doing the Door County Sprint Tri on July 17th. Do I sound wishy washy? I don’t mean to. I’m 99% sure I wont’ race. Period. Right? I hope the shirt is really ugly so that I don’t have to race.
{ 10 comments }
You are wise… but, there is nothing wrong with doing an even as training? I joke with my son once I want to enter a race and take it so easy I am assured last place… Thought that was the case at Grandma’s but I still have about 100 people behind me. Take care and stay healthy!
Sounds like a smart idea, but I know the temptation to race is strong! Glad you are getting back into the regular training. NYC is so exciting, it will be fun to follow your journey there.
We all have to keep our goals at hand and go get them the way we want. You know what you can and can’t do, so if you think you should sit it out then do so.
Hi Beth,
You need to do what you think is best…keeping my fingers crossed for an ugly t-shirt:)
Yesterday my run sucked rocks! It was my first attempt to shake the legs out after Grandma’s half and I ended up walking for about seven minutes of my six mile run:( I just didn’t have it in me.
Good luck with your future NY Marathon training:)
I think it is harder to sit out than to race. See how you feel and make the decision then. I am going to follow your lead and add walking to my runs to add distrance – good idea!
Thanks for your encouragement.
I think “harder to sit out” is what happened to our taper last week. Hmmm.
Looking at Last Year’s MPLS Half Marthon results and, to my surprise, discovered I was first in my age group. Who knew??
“I hope the shirt is really ugly so that I don’t have to race.” LOL! What a great quote. I love it!
Welcome back from your break, Beth! I hope you are feeling rejuvenated!
I like your ugly shirt comment, too! Welcome back to running!
I was hoping to do the Waconia tri but it was full before my schedule opened up for this weekend (you probably know what I’m talking about (or see my blog)). But I’d probably take the other approach, do the tri at a real “fun” pace. Not pushing it but enjoying the race/exercise.
hey: I hope you DID race and you DID great! (Did you do the GW Women’s Ride?)
Comments on this entry are closed.