Refuse to be Lazy

I've been running steady for more than five months now and I feel bad when I cannot get out for a run. I've focused on running for me, rather than training for a race. I find more satisfaction when I don't feel pressure to run faster and farther. I think my body is happier too. I've suffered some minor dings along the way, but for the most part I've been able to run injury free.

I've been back in my running routine for 3 months. Sometimes it feels like more than that; so much has gone on since March. The weather is getting hotter all the time, but my daily noon runs continue. I feel like my conditioning is coming back nicely. I do not feel like I did during my marathon training program, but I have plenty of energy to run and feel motivated to get out their daily despite the weather, my workload, and any number of other reasons that usually derail my training.

Usually a lapse in posts means that I've stumbled in my training efforts.  I have good news... I've just been on vacation and busy at work.  These too usually mean that I've stopped running.  Not this time.  

I've always had conflict with my running schedule when it comes to my job. I like to run at lunch and I fit my workout into the hour I have for lunch each day. However, there are days when work is hectic and lunch gets pushed back. On days like this, I've always struggled with the will-power to go for a run during my late lunch. On days that I just don't get lunch, I find it even harder to motivate myself to run after work.

This week is a busy one in the office. Many people are out for spring break and our group is in the midst of a large project with a looming deadline. I'm wearing several hats this week, which means the likelihood of a workout interruption is high. I did manage to make my trip to the gym today, but I have a feeling that I'm not going to have such luck everyday this week.

I do have priorities in life. My family is first and my job is second. My commitment to my health is high, but it is frequently a lower priority than my job. I'll admit that my physical health should be equal to my job in commitment and has not been throughout the years. Almost all of my failures to continue training can be linked to a burst in activity at work. This is something that I need to work on. I'm not about to reduce my efforts at work, instead I need to work on my willpower to continue to train despite the extra effort required.

My week of running started off on a sour note. I felt drained almost every day this week. To top it off, one foot didn't like my new shoes for the first few runs and I suffered a stomache cramp after running too soon after lunch on Saturday. As I reviewed my running pace for the week, I noticed that the first mile of each run as been better than 8:30, a significant improvement from a few weeks ago. Of, course each run fell apart after the first mile.

So I know that I've been running too fast in that first mile for my current condition, but I'm also happy to see that I can rattle off those miles. I mean, those are the type of miles I expect to run throughout my runs as I get into better condition. Four years ago, I was running sub 8 minute miles, mile after mile, after mile. I know I can get there.

Today I went for a final run of the week. I noticed a few things right away. I had energy... My foot seemed to be getting along with my new shoe... No sign of cramping... Again, my first mile was quick, but this time miles two and three were right at 9 minutes. It felt good to finish off the week on a good note. The run gave me confidence that I am getting better despite a poor start to the week.

The weather is supposed to be bad the first few days of the week. I plan to run outside unless it's too bad.