LOLZLetter 114 | What I've Learned Running Over the Last Year
Most of us can agree the last year has felt like 30 years. Looking back, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on 5 things I've learned from running in 2020.
Most people know, but my last race was on March 1st, 2020. Not only that but I gave myself a calcaneus stress fracture. Before my heel broke, my Achilles had been bothering me for a few weeks. I believe I irritated it in the Nike Vaporfly and like the dumb dumb I was; I tried to treat the injury while still running.
Narrator: She should have rested.
So running has been completely different for me since my last race.
To preface, I don't think 2021 will be perfect. I don't think a lot of races will go as we once remember. BUT I do think we will see more "normalcy" than we had in 2020.
So What are Some Take-Aways From Running in 2020?
I am Grateful for Running:
I often think about the routine running has given me over the last year. With many people working from home, it is easy to fall off a routine. In fact, this past week and with the Daylight Savings Time change, I’ve completely out of my "regular" routine.
In March 2020, when my foot was broken, and the world had just shut down, I really struggled to find a routine. I am someone who thrives on being busy and having things to do (within reason), so when we went from 100 to 0, I really went to zero. I found myself unproductive in almost everything.
Do What Makes You Happy:
In my late twenties and now, I've had the mindset of do what makes you happy athletic-wise. If you want to run on roads…Great. If you want to swim…Great. If you want to run on trails…Great. Ultimately do what makes you happy. I had no interest in running a virtual marathon, so I didn't. (I also have no interest in running an in-person marathon).
Over the last 6 months, I've been running a combination of trails, roads, and track workouts. It's made me happy, and I've enjoyed running more than I have in a while.
Virtual Races Aren't Dumb:
Before the pandemic, I had no interest in doing a virtual race. I truly thought they were pointless. Why spend money to race when you can do a workout for free?
BUT virtual races provide fun motivation, plus they help keep race organizations afloat. My first virtual challenge helped me find joy in running again. Of course, many of us want the live and in-person races back, but without races doing something virtually right now, they may not have the funds to put on a race again when it's safe.
Just Because Races Aren't Canceled, Doesn't Mean You Can't Run:
Some people run for medals, and that's ok. Just because a race is canceled doesn't mean you can't run. Right now, I'm running more than I have in a long time. Without races, it's easy to consistently run without hiccups for taper and recovery in your training. I miss races, but I also enjoy waking up on a Saturday morning with nowhere to go.
Goal Setting Keeps You Moving:
Throughout the last few months, I've made several random but meaningful fitness goals to me.
January: Run under 1:30 in a half marathon
February: Run 10,000 feet of elevation in 1 week
March: Get the women's course record for around the Travis AFB runway.
April: IDK yet
My point is, making these personal goals has been fun and kept training interesting.
Finally, Appreciate Everything:
If there is one thing we've learned about the pandemic, you never know what can happen in the future. It's important to appreciate everything because who knows where we will be in a year. I want to think bigger races will be back soon, but who knows!
What is keeping me entertained?
That Could Have Been Me: An Open Letter to Teammates From an Asian American Runner
Here’s What Nike Got Wrong With Its New Maternity Ad
Emily Sisson Continues Her Tear With a Dominant Win at the USATF 15K Championship
4 Strength Training Exercises For Runners
The North Face VECTIV Enduris Shoe Review
As always, stay healthy and safe. Thank you to everyone who reads, shares, and subscribes.
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