I’ve not had a Tuesday to actually not post about training in quite some time. I’m very excited to be able to join in the conversation from Tuesdays on the Run and stay on topic this week!
This week’s prompt is “something new running taught you this year.” Running has taught me a lot this year. I feel that every run is an opportunity to learn something new — about yourself, your friends, your environment — but it’s the compounding lessons that help us arrive at a bigger statement of sorts. This year, all my runs combined taught me all sorts of things.
Running taught me that…
It’s okay to run slow.
I’ve been running since 2010. When I first started running, I could barely run 90 seconds and walk for 30 seconds without keeling over. Once I could finally run 3 miles without stopping, I just wanted to get faster and faster. I had no intention of slowing down. And it was fuuuun. I loved running fast. Every day I ran, I tried to beat my previous time.
It wasn’t until this year, like truly this year, that I realized it’s all good to not be the fastest. I’m 100% okay with running my own pace, my own race, and not competing with anyone but myself — and myself only on a limited basis.
Do I love speed? Sure! My favorite race distance is the 5K, after all. But I don’t jet out of the gates like a racehorse for every run anymore. Now it’s about enjoying the journey.
I’m happy to race.
To piggyback off of my first point, I used to get seriously amped up about racing. So much so that my palms would sweat, I would be panicked for at least a week leading up to the race, and I would second guess and question everything from clothing choices to fueling strategy.
Now? I still have an anxiety spike prior to racing, but it’s not the end all, be all of my life. I now really appreciate the race atmosphere. At races, I see my friends, run a supported course, and I get to really enjoy the fruits of my training labor.
The exception is when I’m actually gunning for a PR. Because let’s face it, when you put that amount of pressure on yourself it’s completely normal to freak out before the big dance!
Socialization is important.
I ran solo a lot this year. And it was fine and it was fun. But I really began to treasure long distance runs with friends. Those hours spent on the road — or on the trails — with some of my favorite people are truly some of my most cherished memories and stories. I need that socialization — it keeps running interesting and amazing.
Strength training is important, too.
Strength training is so important for maintaining strength, muscle balance, and form. I learned the hard way (a couple times, actually) how important it truly is. This year I took it to heart and stayed on top of my strength training for the most part. It’s a lesson I’ll hold close for many years to come. It’s not worth the injury — trust me.
If I set my mind to it, I can accomplish anything.
Seriously? Did I just quote Marty McFly?
I did. And it’s true!
It’s taken me almost seven years of running to truly grasp that I can do anything. I’ve run two marathons, eight half marathons, too many 5Ks to count… and thousands of miles between. Never in my life — and I mean never — did I ever think I would a) run, b) run a half marathon, and c) even consider a full marathon. I know this is small potatoes compared to some people, but it’s a whole pile of potatoes compared to others. It’s all relative.
And yes, regardless of how many races you’ve run or how fast you are, all that training takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I’ve realized over the years, and this year in particular, that if I set my mind to it, I can will accomplish anything. And this is something I hope to instill in my athletes as well.
Running taught me there’s no room for self-doubt. Just accomplishment.
I’ve had a really great year in terms of running. Yes, I’ve had some injuries and yes, I’ve had to do some rehab and cross-training which absolutely took some time away from my beloved running. But I learned and grew a lot as an individual and a runner — and as a running coach, too.
Did you enter to win a $25 gift card from Dick’s Sporting Goods yet?
xo
TALK TO ME!
Did you learn anything new this year?
What’s one thing you’d like to change for next year?
Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run, and HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap. Also linking up with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle for Wild Workout Wednesday, and myself, Susie, Debbie, and Lora Marie for the Running Coaches’ Corner linkup.
