I’m BACK (literally)
And all it took was…
massage, acupuncture, Epsom salt baths,
lots of rolling and 2 chiropractor appointments!!!
Ladies and gentlemen I’m happy to report that using everything but the kitchen sink worked! My back has stopped spasming and now I’m back on track on my 18 week marathon training plan (6 day/week FULL training details are here in Part 3.
Motivating Me:
It’s often a daily struggle for me to hit the road. And I’m betting it’s the same challenge for many of you who have other difficult exercise regimens like swimming, cycling, spinning, or walking. It’s tough. I hear ya. Here’s what it takes for me to stay consistently motivated to run. (YUMMY HINT: If all you want is just a FAB adult version of rice crispy treats, scroll to the bottom.)
My Motivational Keys For Training consistency:
1) Sign-Up For a Race, ANY Race
2) Do NOT Attempt This Alone
There you have it – My simple recipe for hauling ass out of bed rain or shine. Whether I’m hitting the track, trail or treadmill (yuck), when it comes to running – consistency is the key to success. And for me, consistency happens in the presence of 3 ‘f’ words. When ‘friendship’, ‘fear’ and ‘fun’ intersect. In a sec, I’ll get to friendship (i.e. – don’t do this alone). First, fear and fun (i.e. sign up for a race).
Fear:
In my life I try NOT to let fear into the driver’s seat. But, I confess, I can’t get it out of the car! Fear is a mixed blessing because on the one hand, it means I’m very disciplined about sticking to the Chicago Marathon schedule. On the other hand, if I’m not careful, it could actually get me hurt.
Sticking to the training plan makes me feel less worried about getting injured, less paranoid about sobbing and/or hobbling for 42 kilometers and less insecure about failing to complete the race altogether (doing a destination race is a costly little adventure I’d rather not screw up.)
But, (no surprise), ‘fear’ is also a curse because it throws my perspective completely off. Like when my back was in pain. I was actually considering running before it was better because I didn’t want to fall behind. Ridiculous I know!
Fun:
Just Do It – Just sign up for a race. Although I’m definitely not aiming to set any records, part of the ‘running’ thing is entering races. Whether it’s a relay, a 5 or 10k, half or full marathon, any race will do. They help motivate you to be consistent and run when you have an end goal in mind. Plus, here’s the best part: they are actually fun and the reward at the end of many months of training. The euphoria, relief, gratitude, pride and a sense of accomplishment you get when a race is over is amazing! “Born to Run” Author Christopher McDougall got it right when he said:
“The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other, …but to be with each other”
Don’t Attempt This Alone
If You Don’t Have Company, Ear Buds Will Do
Friendship:
This is where the other ‘f’ word – “friendship” comes into play. I can do the short easy runs alone or with my dog Woody, but for the technical and long distance runs, shoot me now if I don’t have some form of distraction. I find it torturous to do them on my own. My solution: I try to do them with others to ease the ‘suffering’. I know that sounds like I have a bad attitude. I’m trying hard not to see it as suffering, but I am still not a good enough runner to hit the pavement without company, music, an audiobook or podcast (The Rich Roll Podcast is my fave and I’ve written about it here). Real pros don’t use anything. Maybe one day I’ll be like that. But for now, I run in a herd.
It’s all About Community
Now, what I love most about running is the community of friends I’ve made that help motivate me to get out the door even when it’s raining, snowing, minus 10 or sweltering hot! We’ve all done a bunch of races together. The biggest highlights have been the 24-hour Ragnar Relay from Coburg to Niagara Falls and a half marathon in Nashville. Nothing beats the sense of connection you make with people. I know that on race day I’m on my own…but before that fateful day, I’m running with my pals!
Luckily, my community is coming through for me on this marathon. Although none of my closest friends got in to Chicago, I discovered some former teammates on the Ragnar relay team also got in. AND, now some other friends in my running group have decided to run the Toronto Marathon and New York Marathons this Fall. So, I have company – YAY!
Running zaps a lot of energy and sometimes those sugar cravings are powerful. This ‘Karma Krispy Treat ‘recipe is a cross between rice crispy squares and granola bars. You can eat them before or after a workout because they are loaded with good carbs, fats and protein. Here’s the link to Marni Wasserman’s amazing recipe. (I wrote this post when she still had her cooking school. That’s no longer running, but the amazing ‘Ultimate Health Podcast’ she co-hosts is going strong, you should definitely check it out here).
How and why I find myself on the ‘Road to Chicago – Running My First Marathon’ in the first place is here in Part 1 and my goals are in Part 2 . To mark the occasion of the biggest physical fitness challenge of my life, I’m also raising money for ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, a charity near and dear to my heart. (you can donate here)
Until next time… I leave you with these inspiring words by Olympic medalist and world-class marathoner Shalane Flanagan:
Running has the power to heal.
Running unites.
Running creates community.
Running nourishes the soul.
Run for lifelong friendships.
Run for health.
Run for happiness.
Running clears the mind.
Running strengthens the body.
Running is hard work.
Hard work is rewarding.
Running should be enjoyed.
Relish every step.