The Mind is a Powerful Thing
I finally got a decent run in last night after being nervous all weekend to run on this damn hamstring. I went out for an 8 mile long run, and ended up finishing 5. I did run on a hilly route, though, and I’m not in the best running shape ever. It was rough! Getting back into shape and coming off of/still nursing an injury together is not fun. It felt great to get more miles under my belt than I have in awhile, though.
I seriously sulked during the afternoon yesterday until I just sucked it up and went out and ran. It is amazing what the mind will do to you. I was almost depressed because it feels like I have been injured forever! I know things could be worse, but this is the slowest injury to heal. One little overuse episode will set you back half of the time you have already spend trying to heal. I’ve realized that running is a part of me now. When I can’t do it, I feel like I don’t have control over my fitness and health. It sounds dramatic, but when you find something you love that has done so much for you, losing it (even temporarily) is tough!
I had a good talk with Coach Susan today about what is going on, and she encouraged me to continue being patient. She’s been where I am and completely understands where I am coming from. Believe it or not, a month ago, I wanted to try and PR at the KY Derby Half. Today, I intelligently decided that wasn’t a realistic goal for me at this point. I will be lucky just to run it and not completely crumble. I do know, though, that I am perfectly capable of running a decent half marathon even if I don’t PR. The key is to have a plan, and to listen to my coach. It should be an amazing time getting to run in my hometown among old and new friends alike. The race goes through Churchill Downs! I can’t wait!
Tonight, I got in a decent strength workout, which is way more than I can usually say for the night between two 12 hour shifts at work. Here’s what I did:
2X
10 bicep curls (8lb dumbbells)
10 push-ups (8lb dumbbells)
10 hammer curls (8lb dumbbells)
10 chest flys (8lb dumbbells)
20 tricep dips
10 forward shoulder raises (5lb dumbbells)
10 lateral shoulder raises (5lb dumbbells)
Then, (1X) 25 sit-ups, and 15 squats, 15 dead lifts, and 20 kettle bell swings with 15lb kettle bell.
I miss going to yoga! I was starting to really notice a change in my upper body strength. I haven’t been since I re-tweaked the injury, so I’ve been a little bit apprehensive about it. The key is to slow down even more when I’m tired so I don’t go off balance and get sloppy like I did in that last class. I have a three day weekend coming up, so I plan on hitting the mat again for sure!
Anyway, I am tired and heading off to bed. I am not spell checking this because I am tired, so my apologies in advance for grammar and/or spelling errors. Happy Thursday (“Friday” for me!!!) and I’ll talk to you all very soon 
Happy Trails!
Stacey