I've spent a lot of time since being injured wondering why running is so much better than any other thing I can think of. Why don't I get the same rush from cycling, swimming or miniature golf? I think I've figured it out.I'm reading "My Life on the Run" by Bart Yasso. Great book, by the way. In the intro he sums it up well, "When I started running, I started dreaming. It couldn't be helped. The mind works as hard as the body does during exercise. It knows its role during these lonely interludes - to inspire, analyze and fantasize."
This is it in a nutshell. Running gives that much needed physical release, but it does something fantastic to the mental condition as well. In plain talk, it makes you feel like you can. Can move. Can accomplish. Can meet goals. Can get it done. The real magic is in how this translates to everyday life. You get confidence. You get creative. You get ballsy. You get to be even more of yourself.
I was happy to find out that according to Runner's World's book "Run Less, Run Faster," qualifying for Boston is actually realistic for me (qualifying time of 3:50:59; age group 40-44). They say that if I can:
- Run a 5K in 23:40 (I did it in 23:44 in July 2009)
- Run a 10K in 49:31 (I don't know about this one because the last two 10Ks I have run I've done with my kids. I don't think I need to relish in a 1:30 10K time)
- Run a half marathon in 1:49 (I did it in 1:47 in August 2009)
I might just be able to get there. Of course it will take the usual blood, sweat, tears and poop, but it's a possibility, my friends.
I do not, however, plan to kill myself training for my May Marathon. I will work hard, be sensible and do my best. There will be no 2010 Boston for me regardless, so if I don't qualify in May for '11, I've still got some time. This injury business has made me afraid. I simply do not want to find myself not being able to run ever again. While this may be impossible (I found out about 60-65% of all runners are injured during an average year), I'm going to do everything in my control to stay healthy:
- Take calcium supplements with Vitamin D: 1,000 mg/day
- Do major core work and cross training
- Do no more than 3-4 runs per week. Each run with a purpose (speed, tempo, long)
- Follow the 10% rule
- Stick to running trails and dirt roads as much as possible to lessen impact
- Ensure adequate rest/recovery
- Listen to my body!
- Get massages everyday
- Go on the Hollywood Cookie Diet
- Get a breast reduction to reduce back pain.
Okay, those last three are lies, but funny anyway.
Plus, if I can make this cake, I think I can BQ any day. If only. I'm no Martha Stewart (except for the jail part), but this looks pretty damn good:
Who likes Starbucks? I've got a $150 gift card for you. Just kidding it's only $10. What do you think I am, rich? Just become a follower (1 entry), or if you have no interest in being a follower of this lame blog, leave a comment telling me either your best injury prevention tip or how running has made you more ballsy, creative or outstanding as a person (1 entry). For a third entry, link back to my giveaway on your own blog. Good luck!
Drinking: Not drinking anything. Am parched. I made up a new drink last night that I will be drinking at 6pm Mountain Time. Mix 2 parts Grey Goose vodka with one part sparkling Izze grapefruit. Put in martini glass. It does not disappoint. If it does, toughsy shitsky.
