My husband are are a little over 2 weeks away from our first marathon. We’ve been training all summer, and things have been going well. Sort of… A couple weeks ago, I was blindsided with an IT Band injury. I racked my brain for signs previous to the first Saturday blowout, but I don’t think there were any. I researched, looking for a quick fix before I decided to be smart and hire a physical therapist. My first appointment was Monday and I have another today (Thursday). My injury is on its way to healing (I have to believe this or I will wallow in despair) and after the race I can take as many weeks as it needs to fully recover.
Anyway… As I was talking over my training regimen with the PT, and with a few friends variously over the past month, something strange has come to light.
My brain has forgotten what an accomplishment a marathon can be is. I forgot where I started, just a few short years ago. If I think on it, I do remember how proud I was (and rightly so) for my hiking mileage, earned two or three miles at a time.
My vocabulary now includes odd phrases like “a short five miles” or “an easy eight”, and spending a Saturday morning with my husband on a long run (mileage anywhere from twelve to fifteen miles, or more the last few weeks) doesn’t seem like a big deal. When, actually, it is.
If you had asked me even two years ago, I would have called you crazy for suggesting I could accomplish such a thing as a half-marathon (which I completed a year ago October), much less a full 26-mile race. But here I am (we are, actually, for it’s my hubby’s first marathon, too) and we have worked so hard, I can almost taste the medal.
Which is why I am suddenly aware how warped my thinking has become. 🙂
Perhaps a better way to phrase it is changed. My thinking has changed, and I now hold myself to a higher standard. I know I can run longer, so no more excuses when I don’t feel like it. I know I can run faster (at least for those ‘short’ runs) so fine, I will run faster. Unless I want to be lazy, but at least I know it for what it is! 🙂
It’s funny to think about what we’re good at (and a great exercise, by the way) from a stranger’s point of view. Something that becomes everyday-ho-hum to us, something that has lost its mystery and awe. But think about it. Each of us has something that makes others say, “WOW! You can do what? You did that?”
What, in your life, has warped your thinking? In what way do you hold yourself to a higher performance standard? Are you a marathoner, a cyclist? Do you rock the knitting world? Dance like Fred or Ginger? I’d love to know!
April B. 
Well, you can count me as one of those awed by your running abilities! (If we ever go hiking together and encounter a bear, I’m doomed!) All kidding aside, you should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished so far, even if it has come to be your new norm. Sending wishes for speedy healing!
You’re so funny! We don’t have bears in these here parts. 😉
Thank you! I’m feeling better already, just 2 sessions in (we’ll see how my 12 miles goes tomorrow). And I am proud. When I remember to be. 🙂
Know how I tend to be all sweet? I gotta let that image sit aside for a moment.
Are you mental? Have any recent brain trauma? Early onset? Gotta know, just gotta. But I’m only halfway kidding. The opera bit floored me and still does. You’ve written books. Oh, and you can run. It tickles me that you made opera goal happen but are impressed by running. I’m impressed in the dedication y’all share in the goal.
Loved running. Numerous injuries later it just feels good to walk without pain some days. Try to avoid hard surfaces (pavement, concrete, hard pack) as much as possible when training.
Hmm… tight tolerance work, perfect shot, perfect apex, putting a tree down perfectly…
Probably best if I stop here, you need to rest and heal.
See now, putting a tree down is amazing! 🙂 That is super cool.
yes, I am slightly off my rocker, but I’m in good company. My hubs is, too, and a number of friends–we seem to be surrounded by high-achievers who make amazing things look easy and work-a-day. It definitely keeps me humble about my achievements!
And yes, I try to run in a nature park when I can, on earthen trails. Most runs are on pavement, but I have good shoes, and for the most part it doesn’t bother me (present injury excepted). And in just over 2 weeks, I’ll be on a break! 🙂
I love rigging and cutting. I’m teaching the girl. It’s a very real world math class with a lot of variables. The omnipresent one being that you kill yourself so we spend a lot of time on safety. But to move a 100′ tall tree through a series of triggers that turn it 130 degrees as it falls is a thrill. I love dropping them so that they touch nothing and land perfectly. It is a art that takes patience and forethought so it’s a good thing to use in teaching her.
FYI: I used to run. A lot. Multiple operations later I can only advise care and caution. What y’all are doing is wonderful. The effort, goals and physical benefits are all good. I just urge folks to mind their bodies messages.
Good luck to you both.
Damn right – an easy eight? I’ve never run eight miles in my life. I’ve never even run six miles. Probably not five. All I can confidently say is that I’ve walked a few yards at a time, so this is a hell of an accomplishment!
Thank you, Walker. 🙂