To train and listen

by Posted on

I am one of those people who pushes herself a little (a lot?) too hard when there’s a goal to be met. But I’m trying to listen to my body a little more so that I don’t push to the point of illness or injury.

My 11-year-old nephew and I are currently training for a 10K race on 10/10/10 and decided to use today as a chance to get a run in on the Bill Chipman Trail. The four-mile run would be his longest – ever – and the furthest I’ve run in more than a year. Oh, and it was a hot, hot, hot day!

As we got going, I told the kid we’d be taking it slow. He was happy to go along with that plan. As we neared the two-mile marker I was pleased to see that it was actually about a quarter-mile closer than I’d remembered, which gave me a bit of a (much needed) energy kick.

But as we neared mile three I could feel myself weakening. I’d not eaten breakfast (bad!) and I’d not had nearly enough water over the past few days (also bad!). Part of my brain said to keep going – after all, it was only another mile – but the other part couldn’t help but remember the dream I’d had the night before where I collapsed and was unable to call out for help.

It was a hard decision to make, but I decided to walk the last mile. And as I walked I reminded myself that I’ve not been training much, I have two “major medical” obstacles to deal with, and I’m no longer the high school cross country star. (What? I’m not a teenager anymore? Oh no!)

I can accept that my nephew will get a better time at the race in October, but I can’t accept that I won’t be able to finish the race. So, I’ve promised myself that I will make a strong effort to eat better, stay hydrated, keep training, and (most importantly) listen to my body!

Yep, time to get ready to run!

2 Replies to “To train and listen”

  1. Very sensible Frances. Remember it was the tortoise not the hare that won out in the end. There is (sometimes!) something to be said for being sensible – although it’s not a skill I demonstrate often!
    And I’ve no doubt you’ll make the 10k – and in a more than respectable time too. Just don’t expect to do it straight away when you haven’t been training.

    Reply

    1. Being sensible is difficult! My mind is convinced I’m still a star high school athlete, and being stubborn means I can’t accept that I’m not!
      I am slowly getting better at training and plan to make a strong effort to get the miles in all summer.
      Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey…

      Reply

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