Intensives

[Wahine]

I went out for a run this AM. The plan 2 x 4 miles in a loop so I could A) run with a client for 4 miles and finish where we started and B) bail if my legs were too sore. So I ended up bailing and came back to an email from my coach putting me on active rest, no running for 4 days.

So. I had set my mind to getting this high mileage week done. This is the first time I can remember that I have not finished doing something I set my mind to. It's not sitting well with me. Even though I know it's the right decision, I know that my structure is starting to suffer and I know that it wasn't for lack of will. But I still feel like crying.

I guess this is part of the turning you inside out until you come out the other side a whole different person.

Well, good news is that I get to swim more!!!

Off to spend some quality time with my foam roller and The Stick.

[Veronica]

So. I had set my mind to getting this high mileage week done. This is the first time I can remember that I have not finished doing something I set my mind to. It's not sitting well with me. Even though I know it's the right decision, I know that my structure is starting to suffer and I know that it wasn't for lack of will. But I still feel like crying.

I guess this is part of the turning you inside out until you come out the other side a whole different person.

Maybe that's why it's called an Intensive. because you get so intent on accomplishing your goal. I am just so dang impressed with your tenacity. Okay stubborness. Every body has its limit and that's okay.

Enjoy the rest. You really have earned it and learned a lot about what you can push yourself to do.

V.

[Starfish]

But I still feel like crying.

This seems like a completely normal response after the stress you have just put your body and mind through. Especially since you fought starting this new intensive week and had to go through so much mentally in order to get your mind set to do it. It seems to me like that would make it doubly hard to interrupt it now.

As you mentioned, maybe a huge part of the training here is the mental/emotional flexibility about training.

This last year, I started using a phrase about my own life: emotional elasticity. I use it to describe my capacity to accept change, and to experience both ends of the joy/grief spectrum. I know last year, I felt that my emotional elasticity was really at the breaking point. But, it didn't break. And, I think I am a little different now than I was last year, or the year before.

It sounds like you are definitely on that journey to becoming a new self in some way, like you mentioned. Here's to your courage for the journey! (Hoisting a virtual beer for you...but the real thing will have to wait until later.)

[Grog]

Oh, Wahine...

A couple of weeks ago I think you would not have thought that, when your coach would tell you to stop running, you'd feel like crying!

This is really about the mental. And, wow! you're though!!

[rocknrollgirl]

Yoda,
Don't be disappointed. The purpose of this experiment was to find the edge, to push your limits without getting hurt. And you did that. You stripped away all the barriers and went right up to the edge of the abyss.

So from one sicence chick to another, that is a successful outcome. AND you inspired and motivated a lot of the TE runners along the way.

The science teacher says...A+ on that experiment ! Well done!

Now go have a beer.

[Veronica]

Heck, she inspired me and I loathe running! Every morning, I'm hoping to see a Wahine update in this thread.

V.

[Wahine]

Thanks Ladies. And RnR - you're exactly right, this was the point. To find my true physical limit, not emotional or mental or time availability limits. I reminded myself of that a lot yesterday. Today my legs still hurt which confirms the wiseness (?word) of the break.

V. - Here's and update. I'm booooooorrrrrrrred.

[Veronica]

Could you tell me a little more about that boredom please? I need some details.

V.

[chickwhorips]

Now go have a beer.

Or two!