To say that my long run mojo has been lacking would be to put it mildly. I know why it’s missing: cold weather, pain in my toes, and number of hours it takes. I’ve crossed over the 1.5 hour time frame (and really with getting ready, etc, it’s taking two hours) and that’s the point where I start feeling like I’m “losing” a big part of my day.
Yesterday morning, I didn’t want to run at all, much less a long run. I was just in a mood. A crappy one.
Step 1: Tweet – I whined about not wanting to run and got lots of “you can do it”. I publicly reminded myself that I could go slow and even accepted that I wasn’t going to go far. The support I got, pushed me out the door.
Step 2: Grab a handheld and a Honey Stinger. Just because…
Step 3: Run easy. Take Garmin only to track mileage. Do not look at pace. Instead, look at the sunny day around you. Ignore the fact that you are running so slowly you aren’t even warming up.
Step 4: Hit your “short run” distance and realize that you only need 1.5 more miles to hit your minimum mid-length run.
Step 5: Break it up. In my case, I changed shoes from my Saucony Triumphs to my Vibrams because SURPISE! My toes hurt. (If you don’t need to change shoes, walk for few minutes, stop for a drink, change the music on your ipod, whatever – if you are seriously considering being done, shake things up!)
Step 6: Tell yourself you only have to run your x mile loop that puts you at the minimum distance you’d call a long run.
Step 7: Trip and fall. (OK, I wouldn’t recommend this one as I have a wicked bruise and scrape on my knee and bruises on my hip bones from hitting the ground so hard.) But I was so embarrassed and mad that I ran an extra mile.
Step 8: Realize you are only 1 mile from your goal for the day and that you can always do that last mile.
Step 9: Trip again, but don’t fall. Realize it’s time to head in.
Step 10: Realize that in .7 miles you will hit your goal. Get on treadmill. Be unwilling to do less than a mile on the ‘mill…
And that is how you go from not wanting to run to finishing 9.5 miles. It involved two shoe changes (Triumphs > Vibrams > barefoot) and a venue change (outside > treadmill), but I got it done.
And at the end, running was no longer the enemy. It was the solution.
LOL good job. I haven't had a long run in a while but I would always go through talking myself into it during the run. The best long runs I ever had were the ones I gave up on and said "Oh just go out and do 4…and then you think…only 2 more miles and you're at 6….then when you hit six you think about how it's only 2 more little miles to 8….etc."
you did great!!!! love the post 🙂
I can related to #7. Sometimes I trip over my step in class. Since I'm the teacher, you can just bet that everyone notices!
You are so awesome! Sorry you fell:( I am very impressed that you got out there and pushed yourself!
That is hilarious. I'm sorry you fell! I don't think I could come inside mid-run, change my shoes, and then go back out. You showed some major dedication Mama!
Great job! My sister is an avid runner but I haven't tried that sport yet. Maybe someday. You are a true inspiration!
Your perseverance is impressive! I am one of those people who hate running, but I admire those who can run such far distances. Your step by step list made me smile. Good job on getting it done!
from experience, i have to say that i do NOT recommend tripping and falling.
I'm impressed by your determination — once I'd stop to change shoes that might have been it for me…not to mention the fall. Hope you're not hurting too much, but way to get it done!
Way to go for getting it in. I may have to try some of your tricks!
Love this post!! Sometimes you do just have to somehow trick yourself. You got it done! Hope you aren't too bruises up after that fall.
Way to go on sneaking up a long run!
Lol! Love "sneaking up" on your long run! Way to push through past everything!!! You rocked it!
Way to finish it it out!
Great job getting out there and knocking out a good run!
this post is the definition of perseverance. well done!
good job "sneaking" it in! Love that you had all that going on (shoe changes, falls (ouch!), inside/outside) and still got it all done. That's dedication…
What a hoot!! Glad you finished! I always do an out and back for my long runs. It never seems too bad to think of doing 5 or 6 out…then if you want to get back to your car you only have one choice- run back!