What happens when adversity threatens to derail your plans? You roll with it and make changes as you go.
Last week was an incredibly difficult week. My dad had a health scare and it really rocked my world and worried my brothers and me. Unfortunately we’re not entirely out of the woods, nor will we ever be, but things are seemingly somewhat under control for now. I hope. Thank you so much to everyone who reached out with virtual hugs and words of wisdom. When I’ve read this sentiment in blogs before, I always wondered if the person typing it was being genuine. But now that I’m in this position I can honestly say they are being genuine when they thank readers for support and words of wisdom. It’s been hard to stay on top of social media and responding to comments, but I’ve read every single comment and message, and I appreciate them all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Through all of this, I didn’t let my running fall by the wayside. Running for me has always been very cathartic. I broke down in the middle of a busy road on one of my runs last week and totally lost it. I ran in the rain on Friday — something I avoid at all costs under normal circumstances — and I actually enjoyed it. So even though I had a sh%tstorm swirling around me all week long, I didn’t skip my runs. They helped keep me grounded. Even when I was completely exhausted and drained. I did them because they made me feel better.
A Week of Adversity {Marine Corps Marathon Training: Week 15}
Tuesday — 4.13 miles
I ran a hard effort training run last Sunday at the Northern Ohio Half Marathon. On Monday I felt fine. On Tuesday my IT band was hurting when I would walk up/down stairs. I had a 6-mile run planned but there was no way I was willing to risk it before seeing the chiro. Thank god they had openings on Tuesday morning. I went in, had some work done, and tested out the leg. Thankfully the leg felt fine. I got 4 miles in before I had to pick up my daughter from school. Sigh of relief.
I thought my IT band would be my only adversity for the week. I could not have been more wrong.
Wednesday — 6.03 miles
I was supposed to run hill sprints on Wednesday but with the IT band issue, I figured I should try some easy miles first. Unfortunately I had gotten word from one of my brothers that my dad was going to the hospital, so my anxiety was sky high. I panicked mid-run and had a complete breakdown with just a couple miles left. I called my husband crying. Then I talked to my brother because I couldn’t get my anxiety under control. It was a bad, bad run.
Friday — 10.02 miles
I had planned on running on Thursday but I just wasn’t up to it. I needed a rest day so I switched it to Friday. I remember thinking to myself on Thursday evening that I really needed a good, rainy run to help me feel better.
It rained for almost my entire run on Friday. I listened to Les Miserables on Amazon music and allowed myself to wallow. I didn’t cry but I let the feelings be present. It was a cleansing run and I had a clearer head at the end. I didn’t necessarily feel better, but I felt like I could better deal with the adversity before me.
Know what was the icing on the cake? Our hot water tank shorted out on Friday morning. I ran 10 miles and then didn’t shower until Saturday. Ick.
Sunday — 15.2 miles
In the midst of all the adversity, my son’s birthday was on Saturday. We spent the entire day making him feel like the king of the world. As a byproduct of the adult stress, he had a somewhat bummer of a week, too, so we wanted to make it up to him. We achieved the goal and he had a wonderful birthday.
But through all the madness of the week, I had forgotten to firm up plans with my friend, Candice, for our long run on Sunday. Late on Saturday night I messaged her and apologized. I’ve been a terrible friend this week, I know that. Thankfully she understood. Since it was so late and I wasn’t about to ask her to rearrange her schedule for me, we somehow worked out this magical route where she would run to my house and pick me up, and then we would run together to her house and I would drop her off. It couldn’t have worked out more perfectly had we tried. She sent me a text when she was about two miles away and I got ready and met her, we ran together for 8 miles and I dropped her off at the bagel shop (so jealous!), and then I ran home.
I’m so glad it worked out that we got to run together. I can manage long runs on my own, but I honestly had no interest in running alone again this week. It was really helpful to run with a friend.
Strength training
…basically did not happen. I had the best of intentions. I actually did a very basic workout before my chiro appointment on Tuesday, but it was nothing like it should have been. I was nervous to aggravate the IT band, frankly. This week I plan on doing more strength work.
Looking ahead
I have shorter runs this week, but faster ones. And let’s face it, I love faster runs. I’m really hoping the adversity can kind of be done for the next week but anything can happen at any time — as has been proven by the events of last week. I’m just planning on taking things one day at a time.
Again, thank you so much for reaching out last week. I can’t express to you how much I appreciated your comments and love. You guys are the best.
xo
Let’s talk!
Do you like running in the rain?
Have you ever had a breakdown on a run before?
Linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap, and My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run.
