19 December 2007
Challenges
Posted by Bob Estes under: Bob Estes .
Simple common sense tells me that the little voices in my head are really out of touch. Some days I feel like I am on top of this whole running thing. You know, I’ve been doing this on and off for a whole 10 months, I have increased my mileage steadily and I am a hard worker (people like me type re-affirmations.) There are also the days are spent wondering what I was thinking.
History has taught me that how I feel about my progress in training going into a run will have an almost equally opposite reaction during the run. It’s as if I am over confident some days and under confident the others and I am always proven wrong in the end.
Take last night as an example. I ran the “non-supported” run through EGR with some of the well-seasoned runners from run Gazelle and our very own Road Warrior coach Mike. Going into the run I believed fresh legs from a couple of consecutive days off and a good run last Saturday would keep me well motivated to have another good run. After a nice warm-up pace and some time spent on the ice and snow trail that sidewalks can be this time of the year, I started to doubt.
Mike was very kind and ran in back of the crowd with me as I went from running to stumbles and shuffles huffing and puffing about half way through and then had one of those fun side cramps (lack of proper hydration.) The whining and excuses started flowing through my mind. I know I apologized to Mike at one point since some whimpering had to have spilled out verbally. If he was worried I wouldn’t make it, he didn’t show it. No, he just kept telling me that I was doing fine. Thanks for that Mike. I made it.
I could at this point share the complete laundry list of aches and pains I am experiencing and started to blame on last night’s 6 miles of not-so holiday type behavior. Nope. I want to work on the mental part of this ‘game’ called running. I need to stop trying to pre-empt runs with over the top thoughts of pure running glory or worse, self-deprecating thoughts that THIS is gonna hurt. I should take each run as it comes and adjust accordingly. Somewhat easier said than done I’m sure.
Every time we tie up and head out we challenge ourselves. Why then should we fail the challenge on a bad run and pass the test on others? When I look back at where I have come from to where I am now – I see the road clearly. In the moment of the run I am unusually blinded to it all. I ran 6 miles and some change last night with lungs that were burning on really unstable ground. That my friends equals more accomplished on one night than I would have in two weeks of being the old me.
So where are you? Are you challenged enough to stop worrying about what’s going to happen and make SOMETHING happen? Get out and run. I’m looking forward to seeing you out there. I’ll probably be the one in the back of the pack with a big goofy grin on his face trying to remember how to get back to the start.
9 Comments so far...
Julie Hurley Says:
19 December 2007 at 1:47 pm.
Awesome post Bob!
Mike Says:
19 December 2007 at 2:01 pm.
Bob - there was never a doubt in my mind about you making it last night or on May 10. You are a very strong willed person and I believe that you will accomplish anything you put your mind to. You continually impress me with your dedication to this program. Great post and keep up the excellent work!
Steve Kelly Says:
19 December 2007 at 4:37 pm.
Glad you made it Bob, way to stick with it. That post and the next few months before the race is what this is all about!
Terry Says:
19 December 2007 at 8:06 pm.
Way to stay motivated. Keep up the good work
Terry
Troy (DDH Running) Says:
19 December 2007 at 10:59 pm.
Great job sticking it out and pushing thru.
As you have learned, don’t get cocky because the next run may suck. It will humble you real fast too. But the key is to just stick with it, slow down if you have to, but never stop trying. You never truly fail until you give up….
Deborah Pieri Says:
19 December 2007 at 11:29 pm.
Bob, you are so awesome. . . such an inspiration. I still can’t believe you ran after San Chez. I could barely walk! We all have our tough runs. The key is to not give up. You did it. That’s what counts. Thanks for the encouragement! Wish I could have been with you guys!
Deb
Kristy Kehl (Nieuwenhuis from GPC) Says:
22 December 2007 at 10:39 pm.
Well, I’ll take the challenge. I’m always up for a challenge. I’ve been telling myself that today is the day I start running again, but I’ve been saying this for the last 5 days. Since it is already 10:33pm, tomorrow will be my “today”. I will start running. I will start training for the River Bank Run….even though I have a family Christmas Party and plenty to do. No more excuses. Thanks for the motivation.
I’ve enjoyed all of your blogging, especially since this is the first blog I’ve ever read and you still have the same intensely colorful speech that you did back at GPC.
Keep up the excellent work. If there is anyone I know that will conquer the aches, pains, fears, doubts and obstacles, it is you. I will be throwing a set of running clothes in my gym bag, just in case you need company for a run when you’re feeling rather unmotivated should I run into you at the Y.
A couple more closing comments:
1) had no idea you loved Diet MD..also my beverage of choice.
2) I’m sorry to hear that the boring sport of bicycling is your favorite “non-running” exercise. I do hope to change that answer to racquetball by the end of next year, or at least get you out on the court once.
3) I’m very happy to hear that your new food of choice is Mexican. This is much easier to turn into a healthy meal than our Fat Friday luncheons at the Dungeon so many years ago. Ah, the memories, the grease, the fat…..can’t say I really miss it.
Again, keep up the great work. Keep you feet on the ground (and away from the black ice) and keep reachin’ for the stars!
Blessings to you - Kristy Joy <
matter-of-fact plaza Says:
20 February 2008 at 8:21 pm.
When I die I’m going to leave my body to science fiction — Steven Wright
For if he like a madman lived, At least he like a wise one died — Cervantes
All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl — Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977), in My Autobiography (1964)
640K ought to be enough for anybody. Bill Gates, 1981