I'm having a hard time getting motivated these days. Even though the speed class is fun and I (think) I'm getting a little faster, the weather, a bout with the stomach flu and a work trip to Brussels have allowed me to put my serious running on hold. Excuses, excuses. I missed 3 of the 4 hill circuit classes. I am pathetic about doing my drills and sprints. I'm just hoping when track work begins, I'll be newly invigorated.
My friend Sandra thinks it's the lack of camaraderie with this class. We don't get to know each other because we're busy running up and down the hills and sprinting out to the tree and back. So we don't really feel like there are people in the group waiting for you on Saturday morning. It's not the same as marathon training where you're running at a conversational pace with a pack of other runners for 2 or 3 hours at a time. During marathon training you get to know each other. During speed work you don't really. There's not that same level of connection with the other runners, or the coaches.
I still have speed goals. I have definitely learned some techniques. If I was diligent about stretching every time, doing drills twice a week. doing hill circuits and fartleks, as well as a good easy long run on Sundays (and don't forget yoga once a week and a little upper body and core weight work) - well hell - I'd be an awesome runner. I'd be in phenomenal shape. I would potentially burn out.
Many runners are type A, tightly wound, and highly analytical. They become good because they are easily obsessed. I'm borderline type A, definitely tightly wound, and, while I wouldn't say I'm "obsessed", I would say I have had many conversations in my head debating whether I want to run today, tomorrow, the next day. I think I need to remind myself of the words of a wise running friend - "just have fun", and get out there and run!
Just Get Out There and Run - posted at Fri, 28 Mar, 10:14 Central
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