This week in the newsletter, I talked about a few things I’ve learned while running this year.
You Share: What is something running has taught you over the last year? Anything surprise you?
Finally, this week on the blog, I have a post for options for running with your phone. I also just finished the Netflix Documentary “Varsity Blues,” which follows the cheating scandal of getting kids into top universities. Highly recommend!
Last year taught me that I don't have to run every day. If I think it's too cold or raining skip it, it's not the end of the world. That being said, my first in person race is Blue Ridge in April. I'm only doing the half but I haven't really been training for it at all.
Running taught me that there was more in my body than I thought there was. It also contributed, inadvertently, to me gaining a new hobby. Thanks to a robust month of running last April, I suffered a minor injury that sidelined me for three weeks. In that time, I re-learned how to ride a bike again for the first time in over 30 years. Without the pandemic and closing of gyms and the injury, I wouldn't have been as willing to do that.
If you have ever heard the phrase “How you you do anything...is how you do everything” it points to what we do and how we do it. Last year was an incredible opportunity to keep doing what you enjoy...simply because you enjoyed running. ‘Hope that makes sense.
That shorter distances can be magical. I've probably shared this before, but for the longest time I felt only longer distances "counted," if that makes sense. Now I know how great it can feel to run shorter distances more often, and with more consistency. And I've really enjoyed it.
Running with a few friends to explore trails that are new to us is at least as much fun as racing. Also, while training for my first road marathon, without the interruption of other races, I was pleasantly surprised at the volume of running I was able to maintain, even at 64.
Definitely to incorporate variety into my running. whether it's distance or speed, the variety keeps things from getting monotonous. Following different runners has shown me that, even at 58, your body can take more than you think. That and after care is vitally important. Stretching, flexibility, rolling, etc. help to reduce injury. Listen to your body too. It'll tell you when it needs some time to recover.
Patience. Running over the past year has taught me to be patient with myself. Fitness gains will come and there is no need to force them. Being away from the training, peak, race, recover cycle has also helped me mentally over the past year. I am ready to race again but will be more cognizant of when races are and not get into the rabbit hole of train, race, recover, train, race, recover.
Running is something the pandemic has not been able to take away. Unlike a lot of other sports, its simplicity is its truest asset. Even without organized races, it's always there for you.
Enjoying running without any pressure of races or sustaining high mileage. Being able to take an extra day off and relaxing. It will be nice though to get back to actual races after such a long break. Here today in upstate NY we may see our first 80 degree day of 2021! Long run day for sure today!! Odd day tomorrow- 60+ temp, but 28 mph winds and gusts of 62! Short run tomorrow. Don't recall ever running in 60mph headwinds!
Last year taught me that I don't have to run every day. If I think it's too cold or raining skip it, it's not the end of the world. That being said, my first in person race is Blue Ridge in April. I'm only doing the half but I haven't really been training for it at all.
Running taught me that there was more in my body than I thought there was. It also contributed, inadvertently, to me gaining a new hobby. Thanks to a robust month of running last April, I suffered a minor injury that sidelined me for three weeks. In that time, I re-learned how to ride a bike again for the first time in over 30 years. Without the pandemic and closing of gyms and the injury, I wouldn't have been as willing to do that.
If you have ever heard the phrase “How you you do anything...is how you do everything” it points to what we do and how we do it. Last year was an incredible opportunity to keep doing what you enjoy...simply because you enjoyed running. ‘Hope that makes sense.
That shorter distances can be magical. I've probably shared this before, but for the longest time I felt only longer distances "counted," if that makes sense. Now I know how great it can feel to run shorter distances more often, and with more consistency. And I've really enjoyed it.
Running with a few friends to explore trails that are new to us is at least as much fun as racing. Also, while training for my first road marathon, without the interruption of other races, I was pleasantly surprised at the volume of running I was able to maintain, even at 64.
Definitely to incorporate variety into my running. whether it's distance or speed, the variety keeps things from getting monotonous. Following different runners has shown me that, even at 58, your body can take more than you think. That and after care is vitally important. Stretching, flexibility, rolling, etc. help to reduce injury. Listen to your body too. It'll tell you when it needs some time to recover.
Patience. Running over the past year has taught me to be patient with myself. Fitness gains will come and there is no need to force them. Being away from the training, peak, race, recover cycle has also helped me mentally over the past year. I am ready to race again but will be more cognizant of when races are and not get into the rabbit hole of train, race, recover, train, race, recover.
Running is something the pandemic has not been able to take away. Unlike a lot of other sports, its simplicity is its truest asset. Even without organized races, it's always there for you.
Enjoying running without any pressure of races or sustaining high mileage. Being able to take an extra day off and relaxing. It will be nice though to get back to actual races after such a long break. Here today in upstate NY we may see our first 80 degree day of 2021! Long run day for sure today!! Odd day tomorrow- 60+ temp, but 28 mph winds and gusts of 62! Short run tomorrow. Don't recall ever running in 60mph headwinds!