Over the past few weeks, I've had several "successful" runs. Successful being defined as no toe pain, and far enough distances to convince me I can handle a 10K.
Can I handle it physically? Yes.
Why is it harder mentally? I'm under-trained and out of peak running shape.
I need to mentally accept that this race will be far slower than any 10K race I've ever run before. That the pace will be slower than the pace I ran for the MCM marathon this time last year (that's 20 miles farther than the 10K, for those doing the math).
Mentally, this could be humbling...or it could be uplifting - as long as I focus on how grateful I am to be able to run the 10K and to finally be able to run without toe pain.
My race goal is maintaining a feeling of gratitude and accomplishment before, during, and after the race. Racing is always about mental toughness. This is just a different kind of mental toughness.
Part of me wants to say "Suck it up Buttercup!" but I won't. It's been a tough year. Remember the times we talked about your toe and what would happen if you weren't able to run again. We were both so sad about that possibility. But...look...here you are...about to run a race! How great is that? You fought until you got the right solution and can now run again. That's fabulous. So go out and slowly celebrate how wonderful that is. Savor every step and take in each moment.
ReplyDeleteNext Sunday you get to run an amazing race and it doesn't matter if you are first or last or somewhere in between because you still get to run. When you put the time in your spreadsheet, add a comment that says "First race back after I overcame a terrible toe issue!"
You've got this! I know you are mentally tough.
Thank you for always knowing exactly what to say. (Including the bit about the spreadsheet note!) And thank you for being there for me and helping me through this little bump in the road.
DeleteI like what Susan said! It's always tough coming back after any kind of injury, or illness, etc. I can't remember your race schedule from this year, but if you've not done a 10K yet, it can be your PR for THIS year! Good luck and just take it easy. No need to push, just enjoy all the sights and sounds.
ReplyDeleteEven though I've hardly run any races this year, Susan and I ran a "training run" 10k in February...which was still faster than I can pull off next week. Almost any other distance would have worked for the PR for this year. Ah, irony! I will take your advice and revel in the sights and sounds. Thank you for all of your support!
DeleteHey, that was a training run, not a race. So I would count it as a 2016 10k PR!! :) But definitely enjoy the sights and sounds - lots of good stuff to look at!
ReplyDeleteSounds like good reasoning to me!
DeleteGood luck, good lucky, good luck! I hope it's a load of fun with no pain at all!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne!
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