After looking at my training plan for the 10k, I know I’m not going to be ready in time. It is only 8 days away and for me to work up my mileage I would be over doing it in the next week.
As much as I want to run this 10k, I think it is best to take it slow. I have been doing really well easing back into my exercise over the past month and a half and I would hate to have to ruin it now by forcing it.
I still feel quite delicate and tender in my injury area at times, so I believe this is a sign to keep taking things easy on myself.
Lately I have come to the realization that I may never be a runner. My body might not be cut out for that type of wear and tear. If I am going out on the road and always feeling sore the next day perhaps my body is trying to tell me something. And if I need to wear knee sleeves to protect my knees, is it worth putting my body through it at all?
Obviously, these are hard and difficult questions because I love running so very much. I really love it. But sometimes, I need to realistically evaluate my body’s capabilities.
I guess the only answer is to keep listening to my inner voice. It is always right. When it tells me to rest I should listen to it, no matter how much I want to hit the road for a run.
I am just going to keep taking it slow, one day at a time. I am going to try to avoid making plans with respect to running because I find it can leave me feeling frustrated if I don’t meet them.
To take a positive spin on things, I really want to try to incorporate new activities into my life this spring and summer. Eric and I still plan on trying indoor rockclimbing and going mountain biking. I also want to try out new ideas too.
Does anyone have any ideas for fun, new activities that I can try? Leave a comment below!
I think if I found other activities that I enjoy, it would make the whole running thing a lot easier to deal with!
Here is a fun activity Eric and I (And Sketchie) did last night:
I love me some ping pong!
For the time being I am still avoiding activities that put pressure on my injury. For example, I am not playing volleyball because of the quick stopping and starting movements.
PETA recently sent me their new Vegan Cookbook called “PETA’s Vegan College Cookbook: 275 easy, cheap, and delicious recipes to keep you vegan at school”
I am eager to try it out! It is filled with super easy recipes.
I plan on giving one away with a contest and then putting one up for auction in my Shop 4 A Cause.
Ok, I’m off to have lunch (lentil stew leftover- yum!) and then leave for a delivery. Hope you are having a fabulous Friday!
Oh, spicy watermelon? I like it!
I think it’s so important to listen to your body and only push yourself to a point that is comfortable for you. I love how in touch you are with your body! I feel the exact same way as you. I love running… it give you such a rush and jolt of energy! I’m just not sure if I’ll ever be much of a runner. Therefore, I do incorporate running, but I never measure my own distances and speeds based on what others are doing. However, I tend to do more longer-distance speed walking instead. I do yoga at least every other day, and pilates about 2 or 3 times a week. I also love tennis! My brother and I always get some games going in the summer! Biking is another great one. I think you should look at this as an oportunity to try to new activities and find new passions! Ever tried kickboxing? Have fun!
OH! I would just LOVE this cookbook! I’ll be going to college in a year, and this would be PERFECT! Can’t wait for the giveaway!
Dancing! You should take a dance class! They are so much fun, great exercise, and a great artistic outlet. I don’t know what kind of contest you should have, but I definitely want to win it! Maybe a guessing game with a picture clue or something like that.
How about rollerblading? Hubby and I just got new rollerblades and are exited to spend some nice summer evenings skating and chatting. There’s some great deals out there too! :)
I was planning on doing a 10k the same day as you, and I’ve decided on a 5k instead. I wanted to do the 10k soooo bad. But it’s my first race ever, and I think I was setting my sights too high. It’s a bummer, but I’m also a little relieved. I was stressing about it (especially since it’s on the same day as my graduation!) and it dawned on me that I wanted to do the race for FUN, and stressing about it was not FUN!!! Don’t worry about it, there will be lots more races or other fun opportunities in your future!
awesome giveaway!
i really want to try the recipes
i hope i win this one. I LOVE VEGAN food!
thank you for this giveaway. you’re too wonderful
Great way to get a workout in ;]
i would love to win the book
great giveaway! check out my giveaway if you have the time
I have actually been having some similar thoughts on my running. I DO love it so so much but doing all the running while trying to make my 1000 mile goal really has wore me out. I found I started to DREAD the work outs… and to be honest, this isn’t a way to view exercise that is supposed to make us feel good. I have this dream of running a half marathon or marathon someday and I do feel frustrated at myself for the possibility that I might not make it.
Love that cookbook!! I may just have to bid on that!! :)
I love sneaking in little workouts like that! Some friends and I went bowling last weekend – I think the bowling cancelled out the beer! I would definitely recommend walking, hiking, biking, and even rollerblading!! When the weather is nice, I just love to get outside and move!
I’m trying to find outdoorsy stuff for me and my boyfriend to do this summer too! We’re getting a group of people together to go white water rafting and I also wanna go kayaking. Horseback riding too but I don’t know if I can convince him on that one!
I think you are definitely doing the right thing Angela. Listening to our bodies can be SO hard sometimes, but it’s true that it’s always the best thing. I think all those new activities sound fun! You can do it :)
Ooo I want that PETA cookbook, but I’m not too creative in the contest department…
O this looks so good, I would love this.
You could have a vegan recipe contest of some sort? Kudos for listening to your body, sometimes I find that so hard to do.
How about the best ideas on another form of exercise besides running? There are so many studies that say we were never meant to run long distance, and those people that can, are a rare breed, indeed.
I think it’s so smart that you’re not over-extending yourself. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone! Listen to your body, it wants to be a beautiful machine and work beautifully for you. :)
Delurking to ask if you’ve looked into Chirunning. I only discovered your blog recently, so I’m catching up on your fitness program, but today’s post hit home for me. I love love love running, but have not been able to run pain free in 20 years. Until recently. I’ve taken a couple of chirunning classes and recently got myself a coach. It’s changed everything for me. It’s a practice – like yoga – but I’m a firm believer now. I don’t have to run in pain any more. Anyway, the website is chirunning DOT com and Danny Dreyer is my idol now. IMHO, the DVD and the book are a good start, but if you have the means to find a coach or take a class (just to get started), it’s well worth the money.
OK, I’m back to lurking. :) Happy weekend!
I was at the gym today with my friend and we talked about taking a Zumba class – it’s sort of a dance cardio class – sounds super fun! We’re going to try it next week!
Angela,
I am going through the same struggles right now. Every single time I get really into my training and my stamina is starting to build up, BAM, my achillies tendon/plantars fascitis flare up. I am the same as you…”Is it really worth it?” So, since it’s my Birthday I decided that I am going to buy myself a hybrid bike to use in case I cannot run or I can just alternate biking and running. I totally feel your struggle. It’s so frustrating to like something so much and not be able to do it, huh?
Stephanie