After dealing with my last "injury", costochondritis, I have had a hard time finding my focus, specifically, my focus to running.
I miss running the longer miles, but the motivation to run long solo isn't really there right now. I suppose this is ok as I don't have anything coming up until October. I'm sure my legs are enjoying the time to repair and prepare for what will be coming up in the next month or so.
I have been spending more time in the pool and on the bike to add some variety to my training and get some use out of some muscles that usually stay fairly dormant.
Swimming has been a welcome addition. I find myself really aching to hit the pool for some laps when I miss my normal times. Cycling isn't something I can say I have enjoyed as much, but since a friend has loaned a very nice bike to me, I can see myself enjoying it more than before. I find this very interesting because I came to running from spinning! I did spin classes consistently for almost 2 years before I tried running. I decided to try running and if I was able to complete a 3 month block of running, I would treat myself to a real bike. Once I ran my first 5k, I was completely hooked on running and though I did buy myself a mountain bike, I have not really ridden it as much as I thought I would.
I have a new-found appreciation for cyclists now. It's not as easy as I thought it looked, nor as easy as I recall it to be. Even now, when I spin at the Y, my pace is much faster than when on the road. The resistance of the street and the wind truly make my ride a serious workout!
Attempting to run off the bike proves challenging. My legs feel as they have never before. Almost as if they belong to someone else. It seems as though I am running through cement, but when I review my pace after the run, I am quite shocked to see that my pace is faster than I typically run. Maybe I should ride a bike before every run?!
As I muster up the focus required to get back into the ultra training, I am enjoying doing other workouts that only seem to break down more and more barriers I had previously set on myself.
One thing I know for sure, I will not back down from a challenge out of fear anymore. Desire, definitely, but fear, that doesn't live here anymore.
Go get 'em, Karen!
ReplyDeletePeace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27
Breaking down barriers and expanding your horizons may not be easy, but they are great life-building experiences. Your descriptions of adapting to running off the bike are the same as I've heard from countless triathletes, so I have no doubt that you are right on target in your training. I suspect when you get around to gearing up for ultra season this fall, your built in cross training right now will pay you huge dividends.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
Love the last line! I may have to write that one down....
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love that you can run faster off the bike? I know I do! So glad to see that you are enjoying the swimming. I enjoy it too, but it seems to take more effort for me to just get to the pool. I know you are going to have a great 1st tri experience!
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