…Or Color Me Sisyphus…
I wish my absence from the blogosphere was because I've been running and having so much fun that I simply didn't have time to write. Regrettably, this is not the case. Basically, work, health, moving and if that wasn't fun enough, we moved my work too. Hopefully, this is the last blog where I have to mention moving. Anyway, on with the running...
Failure....
It seems my utter lack of initiative has invited failure into my life...again. I failed to choose an Autumn race, and because of this I failed to focus on a training program. I thought I could train and then just add the race later, but with out that finish line (literally) the training is just too hard to maintain without an intended purpose. So, lesson learned there...
Summer this year in North Carolina came with oppressive heat. Some days it was just impossible to log any extra miles. I reckon I could have went to the gym and ran in the air-conditioning, but this type of discipline apparently is only present when I have a race planned.
This summer has been a DNF and a Boston Qualifier in 2011 is over for me.
Frustration...
I'm so disappointed in myself because I let the speed I gained during my New River train-up slip away. So, not only did I miss an Autumn qualification attempt, but now I have to start from square-one
Future...
I've been contemplating the above frustrations and failures and I've come to the same conclusion as Albert Einstein, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." I think I need to make some changes. So far, this is what I've come up with:
1. I've decided to concentrate on speed, to do this, I plan to run some shorter races (1/2 marathons; 10ks and maybe some 5ks and any 10-milers I come across). I figure if I use this time to get a little quicker at shorter distances this should still help me when I start my training for the next 26.2. If I even try another 26.2.
2. I've been considering a running partner. I think that running consistently with someone who's a little faster than me could help me tremendously! I've experienced this before when I had a running partner in Belgium (I miss you Michelle Whetzel!)
3. I still need some goals. I've not looked seriously into an marathons, but I know that if it's going to happen in the Spring, I will have to start training in December. I still have time. I've researched a couple of 10ks, 1/2 Marathons and even a 10-miler. But I haven't committed to any of these races.
4. My one solid goal so far is this: I will run a race in October. Most likely a 5k or a 10k, maybe longer. Recently, I lost a dear friend to Breast Cancer. I will run a race in her memory.
Friends...
So, I've been trying out running partners.
I've been running relatively consistently with my work colleague, The K-Turn Kid. Earlier in the year, I was consistently running faster than him, however, he's recently surpassed me. Running with him offers a challenge and is hopefully helping me out a bit. At the very least it's getting me out on the lunch hour for a run as opposed to working through lunch.
I've also been trying out a running partner on the weekend for my longer runs. This running partner, Mighty Mouse, brings not only knowledge but talent to the table. He went to Clemson University on Cross Country and Track scholarship. He also has loads of race experience and little patience for any belly-achin'. He pushes me not only with speed, but with distance. So far he's been a great running partner, but we often have scheduling conflicts. So the hunt is still on...
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is becoming quite the Sisyphean task for me. I just feel like I keep trying over and over, and failing...over and over....
In Summation: Failure = Continues to haunt me; Frustration= Rooted in disappointment; Future = Still so very uncertain; Goals = Hazy; Cancer = A thief; Friends = Good if it pans out; Faith in Mankind = Buried in a box I dropped off at the Goodwill.
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