The summer is "running me ragged" this year, pun intended. While I've only been running for less than 4 years now, I've had some summer runs in that time period that just didn't feel like such a struggle. This year, for whatever reason, is quite different.
I live in a suburb of Phoenix, so it's not exactly my best running weather this time of year. I don't mind the heat, but my so-called runs are turning into longer and longer walks. I don't know if I'm actually accomplishing anything by trying to train in these conditions.
Some other things I've been pushing through this year as compared to previous years, are:
1. The lack of a dedicated training partner. Most of my previous partners in crime are doing the triathlon thing, which is great for them, but isn't something I want to do, at least not at the present moment. They're not running as many days as I am, and for good reason. I've lost some other training partners due to injury; another best friend is very reliable but we just have different running goals. I haven't been to the running club I am/was a part of in probably close to a year, because I just don't get off of work early enough anymore to make it on time. The majority of my runs this year have been solo. Since no one is waiting on me, I tend to sleep in, making the heat harder on my training.
2. I'm getting old. I keep hoping that the more I run, the better and faster I'll get; but I don't know if it really works that way. I seem to gain about 5 lbs every year that I age that I can't seem to shed despite counting calories and running more than I ever have. (What's up with that, anyway?) I feel like it's weighing me down, quite literally. But I'm not sure how to fit even more activity/calorie burning into my schedule.
3. Speaking of schedule, it just sucks. I'm out the door at 6am for an hour commute, work from 7-5, and home a little after 6pm, assuming I don't have to run any errands. I am not typically able to get away from my desk during the lunch hour for a workout. I know it doesn't sound hectic, but it seems like all of my friends and potential workout partners are getting off of work so much earlier, or don't have to commute as long, and so they're getting their workouts in and done before I even get home. Somebody call me a waambulance! :(
So now that I'm done venting, I was hoping I could get some inspiration. Please share with me your own comeback story. Put me in my place. Let me know that it's okay to have a lousy running season if I have a life dedicated to running. Tell me about the goals you were able to achieve despite some setbacks. I have some pretty lofty goals for winter (a sub-2 hour half marathon in January, I hope?!), but my current pace and ability are so far away right now. I want to know it is worth sticking it out. Thanks in advance. :)
I live in a suburb of Phoenix, so it's not exactly my best running weather this time of year. I don't mind the heat, but my so-called runs are turning into longer and longer walks. I don't know if I'm actually accomplishing anything by trying to train in these conditions.
Some other things I've been pushing through this year as compared to previous years, are:
1. The lack of a dedicated training partner. Most of my previous partners in crime are doing the triathlon thing, which is great for them, but isn't something I want to do, at least not at the present moment. They're not running as many days as I am, and for good reason. I've lost some other training partners due to injury; another best friend is very reliable but we just have different running goals. I haven't been to the running club I am/was a part of in probably close to a year, because I just don't get off of work early enough anymore to make it on time. The majority of my runs this year have been solo. Since no one is waiting on me, I tend to sleep in, making the heat harder on my training.
2. I'm getting old. I keep hoping that the more I run, the better and faster I'll get; but I don't know if it really works that way. I seem to gain about 5 lbs every year that I age that I can't seem to shed despite counting calories and running more than I ever have. (What's up with that, anyway?) I feel like it's weighing me down, quite literally. But I'm not sure how to fit even more activity/calorie burning into my schedule.
3. Speaking of schedule, it just sucks. I'm out the door at 6am for an hour commute, work from 7-5, and home a little after 6pm, assuming I don't have to run any errands. I am not typically able to get away from my desk during the lunch hour for a workout. I know it doesn't sound hectic, but it seems like all of my friends and potential workout partners are getting off of work so much earlier, or don't have to commute as long, and so they're getting their workouts in and done before I even get home. Somebody call me a waambulance! :(
So now that I'm done venting, I was hoping I could get some inspiration. Please share with me your own comeback story. Put me in my place. Let me know that it's okay to have a lousy running season if I have a life dedicated to running. Tell me about the goals you were able to achieve despite some setbacks. I have some pretty lofty goals for winter (a sub-2 hour half marathon in January, I hope?!), but my current pace and ability are so far away right now. I want to know it is worth sticking it out. Thanks in advance. :)
Comments
Post a Comment