I closed out January 2012 having run 274K. This goes on record as my highest mileage month ever. Finally, I feel like I am back on track – here’s why…
In December, we took off to Disney World for a wonderful 2 week vacation. During our stay, I was so happy to manage daily single or double runs, in addition to our park walking. We arrived home in time to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, then I took back off to Disney World for Race Weekend!
You hear stories of people who have run at Disney, and how it proved the time of their life. I can now say with certainty it is true. I learned a lot about myself over the two days. I struggled with a trip up, an unexpected feminine visit while on course, and my pacing bounced uncontrollably from 4:49min/km to 6:57min/km. On the flip side, I saw and stopped for characters, I took in all the high fives I could from the ChEAR Squad, and had an ephipany: I no longer need to prove to myself I can run.
I came home from Disney, and decided to write out my thoughts for 2012
1. No Running Goals
Piko and I do our training runs, pulling off 4:40mpk to 5:30mpk paces. I could run 21K in 1:50 repeatedly on weekends and was pulling off easy sub-50 minute 10K training runs. Enter a race, I am a guaranteed bomb. In 2011, I only managed to obtain an offical 2:01 Half and 51:03 10K. I was frustrated and annoyed with myself.
Derek pointed out after my knee accident, I became very focused on my times. Others had pointed out I was a slave to my watch. It was an astute observation.
For 2012, I am going to forgo running goals. I want to run by myself, I want to run with my dogs, and I want to run with my kids. If nothing else, I want them to realize it is not about being the fastest or slowest, but learning to appreciate the joy of effort.
2. Total Body Conditioning
In early 2011, I was doing P90X and other BeachBody programs daily, in addition to my running. I saw the rewards of my Cross Training, as the improved fitness assisted with my stamina. I slowed down on P90X after my knee had the rendez-vous with the railway track. At my PT’s suggestion, early 2012 was the suggested time to ramp back up. Perfect, as Derek and I got P90X2 as a joint Christmas gift.
We started Round 1 of the program on my return from Disney, and while some of the moves have left me face planting more than I care to admit… After one month, I am happy to report I am now managing a daily P90X2 workout, in addition to one or two daily runs. My energy levels have increased exponentially, and my running speed work is seeing the most improvement.
If I had to sum up my feelings for January 2012, I would say: I’m finding my happy place!
Brand Champion
