I realized something pretty significant yesterday. And that is, I have time. I’m in the final stretch of my employment at Indigo and things have been crazy nutballs insane with a specific show. My health has been suffering (a cold that has lasted for more than 5 days), my fitness level feels really low and my body just doesn’t feel right.
I’m 12 weeks out from a very lofty goal of hitting a sub 1:30 in the half, with these first three weeks traveling back and forth from Seattle and going through the stress of a major life transition.
What am I doing to myself?
I haven’t seen my physical therapist or acupuncturist in weeks, and I won’t see them until I’m home in March. I’ve been awful about doing my exercises. I am in no way setting myself up for success.
For me to buckle down and be able to hit my goal, I need consistency in my life. Living in one place, knowing my schedule from week to week, being in a calmer space where I’m not spending weekends scurrying to find people to be on my television show.
To hit this goal, I feel I need to get a better hold on my body. My calves are still out of sorts and my hips suddenly feeling weird, I’m coming back to some old Coach wisdom.
Are you 100%?! No?! Then get to 100%.
I have a hard time calling myself “injured” because I can still run right now with little pain (unless it’s a very long run) but there are things that I’m not doing that can make me better, stronger, and get me from 75% to 90% or better. I’m going to have a huge advantage on my side soon, the advantage of being self-employed and making my own schedule. Why am I rushing into a training plan in which the first three weeks are complete chaos?
So instead of shooting for a sub 1:30 in April (Nike Women’s Half) or early May (BMO Vancouver Half), I’m going to shoot for some low 1:30 to mid 1:30s. This will require training, but it’s going to take the pressure off of me.
While I am a really fantastic multi-tasker, when it comes to going after big fitness goals I need to be in the right space to make it happen and be pretty focused. I don’t think my life is going to be easy when I’m trying to start my business and actually manage my household, but at least I’ll be able to have a more reliable and malleable schedule.
A sub 1:30 is in my future, likely for 2013, just not in 12 weeks.
Have you had to step back from a big goal and re-evaluate? How do you set yourself up for success?
February 7, 2013 at 5:51 pm
It sounds like this is a smart move. I haven’t been running long enough to have to do this yet, but I know there will come a time when I have to make a decision like that. I appreciate so much the blogs that I read of long time runners who teach me things every time I read. I know in the future when this happens I’ll think back to this. Just like today on my recovery run I was trying to run too fast and thought back to another blog post I’d read recently about the importance on running easy on easy running days. Good luck to you and recovering and getting yourself to 100%
meghan @ little girl in the big world recently posted..What I’m Wearing…Thursday?
February 8, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Thanks Meghan! I love the running blog community, there is always so much to learn and be reminded of. I especially love reading about newer runners like you who are finding their way and getting passionate about the sport. You’re inspiring!
February 7, 2013 at 7:36 pm
I want to see you kick ass so badly this year, you gotta be healthy first! Even without your move, you’re still recovering from your last injury, it is definitely wise to soften the expectations and goals.
Being patient sucks sometimes though.
Karen recently posted..Running in the Holes
February 8, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Kicking ass is definitely on my “to do” list. The patience thing, ughs.
February 8, 2013 at 8:03 am
Hope your goals work out for ya…but remember put your body first!
Ed recently posted..Magic Dragon Chinese Eatery Review
February 8, 2013 at 1:09 pm
You’re very wise to listen to your body! I’ve had less energy than I hoped these last few weeks as I recover from the marathon. I’d love to go for a speedy half this spring, too, but I really need to ramp up the training and right now I’m not feeling it… we’ll see. Low 1:30′s is still an awesome goal!! I’d be thrilled to hit 1:35.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..February 5 by the 5th Winners and Link up
February 8, 2013 at 1:47 pm
You put it all out there in that marathon, and have a lot to show for it, including some lethargy in your body. You’ll bounce back soon, give it time. I know a low 1:30 is in your future, you have so much potential it’s nuts!
February 9, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Hi Meg. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Nice to “meet” you. Great job resetting you goals accordingly and listening to your body. I had a setback with a long cold, turned sinus infection. I’m on the road to recovery, but may not be doing everything I had planned for this month. Keep on keepin’ on, as the saying goes…
February 10, 2013 at 7:18 am
This post really hit home with me – last summer I was really kicking my college laziness in the butt, working out, running again, and eating healthy. But then, I met a guy, moved home, and had debilitating shin splints keep me from running. My goal was to be running a 10k by about now and half marathons by this winter. I had to be really honest with myself and start all over again. No more running four miles, I had to start at 1.5 then slooowly work my way back up. By re-evaluating and working through this, I haven’t had shin splint issues yet. So, I’m behind, but I’m still working for a goal.
Loved your post (and your blog!); I found you on 28DBC, but I’ll definitely be back to keep up.
- alyssa
Alyssa recently posted..Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
February 10, 2013 at 9:46 am
Shin splints can really be the worst, it takes time to learn how to manage them and be able to start over again. There’s no shame in being behind, just keep moving, rehabbing and keep those goals in mind. Getting to 100% is not easy! Thank you so much for stopping by!
February 10, 2013 at 5:25 pm
I think it is so wonderful that you are listening to your body and realizing that you are not 100% and then adjusting your goals as such. You will get there. Take your time, listen to your body, it will happen this year.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..Baked French Toast
February 11, 2013 at 10:36 am
Thanks for the encouragement Abby!