Take Your 'You' Time
Set yourself some big goals and then focus on what you can control
You've been training really hard. Make sure you are listening to your body!
I too have been working hard at getting back in shape. I think the first few weeks are the hardest because you always think you should be in 'x' shape, but you're really in 'y' shape and it throws people off.
It's not easy to know (and live with) your pace being 30-40 seconds per mile slower than it was before your break, but honestly, if you are patient, it'll get back to where you expected it to be - and even faster if you do it right.
I'm dealing with a few setbacks myself, so that's been difficult to get back in shape and instead of running through the pain, I've opted to mix in more strength work and some cross-training.
I am currently doing 10 minutes of strength training per day, every day. 10 minutes isn't long enough or hard enough that it leaves me sore or sweaty, but it's enough to leave me knowing I've done some work. So instead of maybe getting 20 minutes of strength in a week, I'm now getting 70+ minutes in. It's a win in my book.
Besides strength training, which I know will help tremendously, I'm also stepping up my swimming game. I know that our community pool won't be open forever, but while it is, I am going to make the most of the time I can.
I'll also be using my bike a lot more - to get some close-to-home errands done, but also to get in some cardio work.
So it's been tough on this comeback trail, but I'm not counting out some good running miles once the weather breaks a bit.
Tell me - how do you deal with a running setback? Are you mopey and grumpy or do you have an alternative outlet? Share with us by leaving a comment or reply to this email!
Friday’s Action Plan:
Take a positive from every run and race you do. Even if it was the worst run of your life, find something good to hold on to.
What’s Got My Attention:
Article: NJ’s Josette Norris wraps up European Adventure Â
Article:Â Can you hit your strength goals and your mileage goals?
Popular Articles on the Blog this Week:
What’s the Right Running Shoe for You?
Everything You Need for Easy Runs
Popular Newsletter Sessions:
Listening To Your Body - March 2021
Finding My VO2 Max - Oct 2020
Quote of the Day:
Don't rush the process. Allow yourself to grow at your own pace. Stop comparing your life to what other people are doing.
Connect with me:
Here’s what I’m working on and what I’d love you to check out:
Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com
If this resonates with you, I would love it if you could share it.
Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans, and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.