Sunday August 10, 2008

I did it! I had a �successful� outside run

I did it! I had a �successful� outside run. Now granted, it didn�t cover any great distances or include any heart-wrenching hills, but it was a run, outside for an extended period. I was so distraught over my less than stellar run yesterday I couldn�t get it off my mind. I called my sister, who in the last few years has become an avid marathoner, to get some advice. When we ruled out any kind of physical limitations she concluded that I was just bored and was only thinking about finishing the run, getting it over with. She suggested not thinking at all about distance or time and instead just concentrate on �one step at a time.� I figured it was worth a shot.

So I mapped out a 3-mile route in my head and decided I would run that loop without stopping. I wouldn�t look at my watch. I would just run and if I wanted to stop I would force myself to continue �one step at a time� until I finished.


I got up bright and early to do my run. I was determined to be successful and I was. At one point (when it started to go uphill) I could hear the negativity creep into my mind. But I pushed it aside, looked down at my feet and keep saying over and over �one more step, one more step�.� And the next thing I knew, I was back at my house. I was so elated. I walked for a few minutes, stretched and then decided to do the loop again.

Now I can�t wait for my next run, outside.

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Saturday August 9, 2008

What is my problem?

What is my problem? I can run all day on the treadmill � doing sprints, hill intervals and fairly long distances. But get me out on the streets and after five minutes I�m done: everything hurts and I am gasping for breath. I have no excuse like �it�s too cold� or �it�s too hot� or �there�s no place safe to run.� I live in a runner�s paradise. From my front door I can hop on any number of paved and/or packed dirt trails that wind through tree-lined streets, along scenic creeks and over gentle rolling hills all with the Rocky Mountains as my back drop. There are countless options with miles and miles and miles of trails. And despite it being the middle of summer here, the lack of humidity makes for nice cool mornings, perfect running weather. So what is my problem?

To try and figure it out, I made myself get up and go running outside this morning. True to form, after about ten minutes on the trial I started to get tired. I felt like I was running through mud. I made myself run for five more minutes but then allowed myself to walk for a minute or two: and so the patterned continued for the rest of the hour. By the end I was so angry, frustrated and disappointed with myself. I realize that my leg muscles are fit and able to handle the run, it�s my head that needs the work. I consistently convince myself that I �can�t.� How ironic coming from a fitness instructor whose main job is to convince others that they can. I can�t wait for my training partner and friend Amy to come back from vacation. I need her! But, while I�m definitely feeling down, I am not out! Tomorrow�s assignment�tackling the bike outdoors, details to follow�