In 6.5 weeks, a lot of really cool bloggers will be toeing the line at the Philadelphia Marathon/Half Marathon.
I won’t be one of them. I’ll still be cool. I just won’t be there.
I’ve been in a nasty cycle of injury/running races that are too long for my training for about a year now. It’s time to stop the madness. It has never been my goal to be fast. It has always been my goal to still be running in my 80s. That’s a non-negotiable goal and I need to realize that it’s time to focus on that long term goal and change my short term goals.
My new goals:
- Heal.
- Stay fit.
I’ll be focusing on cardio at the gym, strengthening and stretching per my chiro’s instructions, and eating healthy. I will not run if it hurts and will listen to my body if I need to stop a run. I will be short of 1000 miles this year and I will learn to be ok with that. (I may even stop keeping track because it makes me feel “guilty”. Yes, minds are strange things.) I have no races on the calendar and I will not sign up for any races until I’m fully healed (this will be hard – I have no self control when it comes to races LOL).
Here’s to 2012 being the year of no injury!
I love it!! Running long and strong is my goal! I realized I was never fast…so staying healthy and running as I get older and older was my goal! You will come to enjoy the new attitude and plan! Its all about Balance! Good Luck and here to s injury free 2012!!
I am right there with you momma! My stomach is still giving me grief and I have thought it was my heart and I do think that when whatever it is flairs up it is in the proximity to my heart so it makes it feel weird.The doctors don't know but I know that if I run too much my chest hurts later. I have a half coming up on the 17th and I don't know if I will run it or not. Probably not 🙁
Sounds like a tough decision, but a very smart one. Your health comes first!
I'm sure that you won't regret this decision. A few years down the road, you won't even remember that you missed this race, but you will be happy to be running long into the future!I was on track to easily pass 1000 miles for the first time, but this hip thing is not going away and I'm with you – I'd rather get it better and start 2012 healthy than continue fighting this and miss out on more running (and races) later.
Excellent goals! The long term is more important than the short term.
I think that is a very wise choice!And you'll still be cool. 😉
I'm sorry you won't be in Philly, but this sounds like the best decision for your running long term. Here's to a healthy 2012!
I am so with you. I am running Chicago this weekend and after that I am on a running hiatus. My ART therapist told me no races for a while and that in order to keep running I need to fix myself. Needless to say I am a bit sad because I rely on my run so much. But anyway I am going to learn to love spin class and body pump and keep a smile on my face.p.s. you are still very cooool!
Im so sorry, but I see the strength it takes to make the RIGHT decision. Good for you!
Your priorities are right. Good call.
It is okay!! You are listening to your body and that is important. I am in the same stage. I had an ankle sprain over a year ago and ran great for a year in Vibram Bikilas until recently when my bad ankle acted up again. I have a 1/2 coming up I had hoped to run a sub-2 in, which I had been training well for, but now I am just going to go in it to finish.
Good luck, Erika!
Wow…that is very strong of you. You are making a super smart and super difficult decision. you're still cool in my book.
I think you are doing the right thing. Well I know you are. It's tough to put what we love on hold.I'm thankful right now that I can keep running in spite of my shoulder. I had to put tris on hold, but at least I can do running races. Keep your focus on fitness and you'll be back in 2012 stronger than ever!
I love this = "It has always been my goal to still be running in my 80s"! What a GREAT GOAL. Sending you healing vibes for a quick recovery so you can get back out there and run your way to 80+++ 🙂