I do not always have successes in workouts, they sometimes, (for lack of a better word) SUCK. For example, this morning I was supposed to run 7 miles alternating "easy" miles with "faster" miles. I got up at 5:15 so I could be ready to run at 6:00 since I have to be at work later this morning and cant/wont run when I get off at the end of the day. Last night I laid out everything I needed to run (Garmin, compression socks, clothes, hat, inhaler, water belt, etc). This morning when I began to get ready, I realized I didn't have my heart rate strap out and looked everywhere for it (while trying not to wake my roommate up in the next room!). Finally I decided to run without the strap and headed outside.
It is cold this morning, about my favorite temperature to run in! I started running and my legs felt heavy... no problem I thought, I will warm up and my legs will loosen and I will feel fine. NOPE! The tightness got worse and soon my knee started hurting, and then my opposite foot started to hurt, (both places I have had some issues with the last month or so) and then my other foot and knee.... it was NOT FUN! My ID bracelet was driving me crazy and I couldn't wait to get it off, I also didn't want to carry my water belt which was bouncing up and down against my back! My first mile was SLOW and the second was even slower.... I finally decided I needed to cut my losses and GO HOME and strap on some ice.
I am sure I will find out later what the coach says about my unsuccessful run, but in the meantime, I wanted you to know how hard this is sometimes. There are days where my head just cant get my legs to do what I want them to do on the bike, or where my breathing is off in the pool and I feel panic, or even where I just plain don't feel like training. But, thankfully those days are few and I am mostly enjoying each step of the journey! Even days like today when my determination bows to my body's complaints are worth it in the end.
We are getting so close to our race day and I find myself thinking more and more of the moment when I will cross that finish line. The moment that culminates MONTHS of hard work and 7 to 8 HOURS of racing that day! I know it will be an emotional day. I also know that I will be sad to be leaving these weeks of training behind as life changes... as Helene will be "friend Helene" all the time instead of doubling as "coach Helene". I wont be training for hours every day. I will enjoy that time (my niece will be here by then and I plan on spoiling her) but, I will also miss it. I have therefore already began setting goals for myself post-race. This year has been one that has changed my life and in the grand scheme of things, one tough, DNF (did not finish) run are small things. So, lets move forward into tomorrow (a fast 18 mile paceline bike ride) and remember to keep those GOGGLES ON!
"Triathlon is a journey, where races are milestones that require moments of celebration, reflection and analysis." - Ryan Schneider.
Even though the run was tough, it's so telling you're staying positive. That attitude will help carry you through the rest of your training--and on race day too!
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