Last year Tim blogged on this subject and I wanted to get the idea back out there as we get into the longer distance runs.
There are good days and bad days, and I ain't talking about the weather. There are good days when running feels good and takes minimal effort, and there are days when you basically force yourself to just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
The last week has been a struggle for me. I had a tough time completing the Arctic Amble last week as well as the half-mile repeats Tuesday night. My solo runs weren't much fun either.
Today, though, everything felt great and I had an enjoyable run in spite of the weather. I know some of you were struggling to finish the distance. So what can you do?
For me, the answer is to just keep heading out for my runs. Putting one foot in front of the other helps. And I always feel better after a run. Even on a bad day.
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Thanks to Kris, Pam, and Jill for letting me run with them! Yoy kept me going! Great Run! Thanks, Kim
I think I know what you mean, Barry. Sometimes I feel like going the longer distances makes the 3 or 4 mile days sooooo easy. But then I'll have a day where--for no apparent reason--I feel like I'm just taking up running for the first time.
The last time I had one, I just kept telling myself that all runners have those days. We just can't improve day after day after day. Really great runners are those who make it through those days and then go back out next time.
I sound so level-headed, don't I? The thing is, during these "bad" runs, I'm an absolute psycho-crankypants. It's a good thing the good ones outweigh the bad ones!
LOL! Steph, before today I was ready to write the Lincoln Memorial right off my schedule!
But a good day ALWAYS comes along eventually.
Barry - like you read my mind. I was just whining to a friend last night that I just can't figure out why some days I don't want to run any more. My motivation seems to have disappeared. My friend told me that it's time to shake things up a bit - kick it up a notch, find a new running buddy, change my routine, stop whining and just get out the door.
So today instead of sleeping in, I loaded a few new songs on my mp3 player, laced up my shoes, and headed out the door. I wasn't even sure where I was going to go. I only ran 6.3 miles and it wasn't great, by any means. No runner's high that I usually get. It was hard and I ran into the wind on the way back. No bagels and coffee, and no running buddies to commiserate with afterwards.
But when I was done, I really glad I forced myself out the door. I logged the miles into my log and realized that all runners have good and bad days - they all count, they all prepare us for something - physically and mentally. No one can put the miles on your shoes - it's something we have to do ourselves.
And Steph - I'm with you - I'm one of those emotional runners. When I get in a good run - I'm flyin' high. When I have a bad day on the trail or worse, miss a few days for whatever reason - I'm an absolute crab! Fortunately for my family and friends and coworkers - the good days DO outweigh the bad ones!
I ran across this quote:
"A bad day is when your walking the marathon, and your walking through town and you see the paperboy and he's delivering the paper with the results of the race your still in. That's when you know your having a bad day." ~Michael Collins
Keep it strong and kick it up a notch!
Well I am sure THIS day (Sunday) will be a GOOD day for Mary Rogers!!!
HAPPY (16th) BIRTHDAY MARY!!!!
Mary will be celebrating her birthday at Hill Prairie Winery today. It is right outside of Petersburg. Below is the link that includes a map if anyone would like to help celebrate! Should be a nice relaxing fun time!
http://www.hillprairiewinery.com/history.html
(If you can't click it open, copy and paste it into your browser) :)
Mary said they usually have live music on Sunday, too. This weekend it's 40's and 50's music, some blues, too. It is open from noon to 5. It might rain, but if it is like other wine places, they will have an inside.
Johnny asked his mom how old she was and his mom said "39 and holding". Johnny thought about it for a minute and then asked....
"How old would you be if you let go?"
Let's toast to always ALWAYS holding on!
Thanks, Em for posting this info - a great run, good music, awesome friends and family, and oh, yeah - a glass or two of merlot - that indeed is a very good day.
Hi everyone!
Just trying to get up to speed..What distance will the group be running this coming saturday? I've had a few setbacks with knees and things..seem to be ok now..I did 5 miles yesteday and hope to kick it up to about 7 or 8 this week if that is even close to where the rest of the group is...
Hope to meet everyone this week..
Greg
Kim Sh. - Little do you know, you kept me going! Glad to have run with you and I'm glad I met you. You are an awesome runner! Hopefully, I will be able to keep up with you next week. Kris and Jill, thanks for the tips on my tight hams :).
Greg, we are doing 12 miles next week. If you're not ready for the 12, you can always cut it short and turn around and do what you can. Being with the group will help you and maybe you can find someone else who isn't running the full 12.
I don't remember the name of the guy who put out water at the radio station but "Thanks". I don't think he reads the blog but if anyone knows who he was, can you please tell him "Thanks" from me. It was very thoughtful.
Happy Birthday Mary! I have another sinus infection so I won't be able to make it for wine but I will be there in spirit! It's Pete's birthday today and he likes wine so he would have had a good time. He's under the weather also. We'll have to do it another time.
Congrats Emily on your 18 miles! You are half way there baby! You can do it!
Is there anything else that I forgot? lol
Pamela
Thanks pamela!
This is my first attempt at the half...After Abe's last year I had a nasty bought with shin splints..I can walk the rest of the distance but I really want to conserve the knees for the race...(more cross training an less running..)
I'm open to any advice from anyone about how to proceed..
Greg
We all know Mary ain't getting older, just meaner. I mean, better! That's it, she's getting better all the time!
Raise a glass in my name, MaryThon! You'll never be as old as I am!
Greg, I'll second what Pam said. Show up and run what you can. Most of the routes we run have handy places where you can cut the distance short. Just don't try to keep up with fast chicks like Pam!
Also, I'm a fan of stretching and moderate weight training for problems like shin splints.
The stretching, walking and biking have really helped..my pace is about a 12 minute mile so I'm not built for speed..especially with flatfeet ad ortho inserts..I really have enjoyed returning to running..now I'm just trying to get better..
just a little personal info about me..since starting back in June with Abes Army I was at 262 lbs..now at 246!! Hope to be 240 by race day!!
looking forward to meeting everyone soon..
Greg
Greg - Way to go on the weight loss! I'm about a 12 mm pace as well.
Anne
Kris, Jill, Pam -- what are the tips for tight hams? Has recently been a constant battle for me.
Scott
!@#$%^&*(+
That is how I feel after my huggy I mean Hubby (hiccup!) and I met with Marython and her Hubby at the vineyards....
Sunday.... are you shure... I mean sure we have to work tomorrow?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks Pam you're way too kind... I just wanna be like you!!!! :)Give the credit to Coach Carl as he is the one that got me through... God I feel sorry for him that he has to put up with me and my verbal abuse!!! He is one tough trainer!!!
Carl has reserved his place in heaven just based on the good and patient work he's done training EMILY.
Talk about Bad Days & Good Days.
LOL!
KEEP IT STRONG, Carl!
(Kim N)
This is off the running subject but there is posted at Fit Club South a flyer that states 2 male black labs - 4yr olds, shots, housebroken, fixed, are in need of (A) good home. It has a picture of them and they are a beautiful breed. Owner has terminal cancer. I'd love to take them but already have 2 dogs 1 cat. If there are any lab lovers on the blog, please spread the word. Peace of mind that his pets have a loving home would sure help this ind. greatly. Thanks so much.
(Kim N)
This is off the running subject but there is posted at Fit Club South a flyer that states 2 male black labs - 4yr olds, shots, housebroken, fixed, are in need of (A) good home. It has a picture of them and they are a beautiful breed. Owner has terminal cancer. I'd love to take them but already have 2 dogs 1 cat. If there are any lab lovers on the blog, please spread the word. Peace of mind that his pets have a loving home would sure help this ind. greatly. Thanks so much.
Kim - that's so sweet. If I didn't have a dog and cat already - I'd take them. I've had two labs before and they are the sweetest dogs.
While we are off the subject of running - most of you know I'm involved with Girls on the Run. I am in need of a volunteer to assist me on Wednesdays from 4:45 - 5:45 beginning March 14th for 8 weeks at the Boys and Girls Club. All you have to do is show up with a smile on your face and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of these girls (range in age from 3rd-5th grade).
If you want more information - send me an email @ rogers_01@msn.com. You can also check out their website. It's only one hour a week for eight weeks - this is my fourth season with the girls and I tell you it is one of the most rewarding volunteer jobs I've ever had.
See you all Thursday (yes, Barry - I'll be there!)
Oh, and talking about good days and bad days.
I was all set to get in a good four mile run on my lunch today. I ran Saturday (it was not such a good run) and Sunday (much better) and was ready to get in a great lunch time run. The weather is better and I NEEDED to run.
I headed to the gym to change my clothes and thought my bag was kinda light. I FORGOT MY SHOES! Since I knew my cute little black boots wouldn't go with my running pants and jacket - I had to settle for working out in the gym....
...I left the cute little boots in the locker room - and lifted weights in my stocking feet, one green and one blue (hey, I was wearing boots - sock color doesn't matter that way!)
My husband wasn't going to let it pass - He made sure I got my run in after work by making up some lame excuse about needing a recovery run and ran with me.....
that'll teach me to leave my shoes home! I think I'll go to the pool tomorrow - better go pack my suit right now before I forget!
Mary, our health club has these things called, um, "lockers," yeah, lockers, and you can store stuff in them. Things like swim suits, running clothes, shoes.
And why is it everyone has to go WAY off topic on MY blog posts, huh?
LOL!
I'm a member of the club that would LOVE to take those two Labs if it weren't for the Mini Schnauzer and big brown mutt we already have, both adopted from shelters. Sure hope somebody can take them.
well - I suppose you get hot showers at your, uh, special "club". I work for the state - think old, junior high showers in concrete stalls!
And yeah - I have four pairs of shoes - but I took them all home 'cause I wasn't sure which pair to take to JAMAICA, mon!
And we're not digressing from your post - remember it's all about those good days and those that you have to take a cold shower in the basement of a gym.....
:)
And if the title of this article doesn't get your attention......
The Difference Between.... Oh, I can't type it - you'll just have to read the article for yourself. Ties in quite nicely for this topic.....
(Kim N)
Thats the problem with finding homes for dogs. Seems everyone already has them. I have a choc. Lab. Her brother died last summer and I got a little dog for the kids. Tom would trade the little one for 2 big ones in a heart beat. The kids ... thats another story. I am a lab lover, that is why this pulls at my heart strings.
Mary, I'll see ya tonight and talk to you about your gig with B&G. Might be able to help out.
Yeah, Mary, I work in the private sector. The showers in our on-site health club DO have hot water. We also have saunas and a jacuzzi. And some people still complain about the facility!
Someone left one of those old step machines from the 1980s in the boiler room where I work. I suppose that could count as a gym...:=O
(Kim N)
Disregard my previous post about the labs. I was at the club and the flyer was down. I asked front desk but no-one seem to know anything. They were not even aware it was posted. So no name, no phone number. Hope he found a home for them.
Kim - email me and I'll fill you in on GOTR - you'd be good with the girls - they love uh, "upbeat" people like you and me!
Got soccer commitment here in Lincoln tonight but I'll be at WP on Thursday.
To all that was there last night for the hill workout...way to go. Its been awhile since I have done a hill workout. It felt good again. Its so nice to hear your motivating voices going up and down. You guys rock!
Keep It Strong!!!
-Chuck
(Kim N)
Awesome job on the hills Chuck. Glad to see your calf is ok. Maria you did great also. You will do great in the L.M. 1/2! Glad to have you as a half-wits this year.
Mary, bad news, I have a conflict for Wed. eves. Sorry I can't help. I'm sure someone will step up. It is a great organization
no prob, Kim - I think I have it covered. Thanks for the offer and you'll all hear from me again soon, I'm sure!
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