I wrote a long post about this training hiccup and then purposely deleted the entire thing. I was writing all those typical clichés about “listening to my body” and “staying positive” and the post didn’t sound like me. I’m not about that type of blogging. Plus, running is a small (but happy) part of my life that I don’t want to dwell on it too much. These things happen. Take necessary measures, move on and keep perspective.
Ironically my foot felt much better yesterday. I’m still going to give it another day or two but I don’t for one second regret cutting my 20-miler short. If anything my hurt foot reminded me of a few things…
I take so much for granted (running and otherwise)
Running a marathon isn’t the norm (even if it seems to be in the blog world), so I shouldn’t feel discouraged by a bad training week. I get that I’m not one to talk because I’m part of that crowd in a sense, but I’m well aware that what I’m putting my body through is out of its realm of natural functions. Hence why I run about half the miles per week as most marathoners and this is not a year-round thing.
I really like being outside when the sun is rising
I am genuinely running a marathon for me. Not to be apart of a certain crowd or to identify as a “real runner” (<– hate that assumption). Never for a blog post or Instagram. I’m doing it for the personal challenge. Side note: I know that running a marathon is by no means the only way to challenge myself. It’s just what I’m doing now.
Comparing myself to others leads me down a rabbit hole of no good very bad things. I knew this already but a reminder never hurts. It seems like everyone is running 50+ miles a week….FAST. Compared to that, my training can feel inadequate. I have admittedly asked myself how running 30 miles a week can be so tiring (and “injury worthy”) when other people seem to easily do so much more. *COMPARISON ALERT!* That mindset does no good in any situation. And who the hell even cares about mileage?! Actually, I should be happy I’m running less because that means I can sleep more, right? Sleep is more of my life than running is…
The beach puts things into perspective. The cliché of all clichés but I honestly felt that yesterday. (This is also my not so subtle way of making sure you all know that I went to the beach yesterday. It’s October :)). It makes you realize how small you are and how much else is out there. That’s my deep thought of the day…
Have I just been rambling while in a (very) minor depressive state? Maybe, but I like to keep it real on this blog and this is just what I’ve been thinking about in the past 48 hours.
Amen sister!!!!!
I lovingly sent this to the husband yesterday when he was… Whining :-)
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I need to save it as my phone background as a reminder!
I know how ya feel. I have had a major setback in the commencement of my half marathon training (as in, I haven’t been able to start yet) and it’s kind of [really] stressing me out. Something random about my weekend…. ummmm the Gators upset Ole Miss :D haha
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January. Bayshore. You and me. Morning runs. Your Gators are back. It’s been a few years but UF- FSU is going to be a good one.
I totally know how you feel, and I think it’s great you listened to your body and cut your run short. While it stinks, it’s not the end of the world. It’s better you let your foot rest then hurt it worse!
This weekend my class/grad program had a really great dinner party, which was a lot of fun!
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Totally not the end of the world. And I got to go back to sleep sooner, so that was a win!
No use making an injury worse just to finish a long run. You’re very fit and it shouldn’t affect the hard work you’ve already put in. This is a great reminder for me too because I’ve been sick a bunch the past few months and have missed key training runs. BUT it’s not going to kill me. Resting will help us come back stronger.
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Some people have such a fear of rest…that it will detract from our hard work. But I think it’s good mentally and physically, whether it’s “forced” rest or voluntary :)
Comparison is the thief of joy. You are taking the right approach – running should be a forever sport, not to injure your body in order to keep up with others. I know I find myself comparing my milage and paces to others, but the fact of the matter is I run for me, and at the end of the day, I just want to make myself proud and happy! Hope you are feeling better soon and have a fabulous Monday!
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When I feel like I’m getting burned out from running (or feel an injury) I remind myself that I want to run forever. A few days off now is WELL worth being able to run for years to come.
So true about realizing training for a marathon isn’t normal and it’s hard to forget that when reading blogs and seeing instagram posts or what not everywhere of people training. I remind myself even that working out every day isn’t “the norm” when I have weeks without any actual exercise. It’s easy to get sucked into these unrealistic expectations thinking everyone else does them with ease. I’m glad you’re able to keep this perspective and train in a way that feels good for you <3
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I think about that too (that working out every day isn’t the norm). Most people would and SHOULD be happy with 30 minutes a few times a week. It definitely skews our perceptions.
Love the way you think! We allhave to push and challenge ourselves in our own way.
Over the weekend, I finished training miles for the upcoming NYC Marathon. Then, I enjoyed some yummy cookies and ice cream. ☺
I ran NYC last year and (minus the awful weather) it was incredible! Sounds like a great weekend :)
YES!! Perspective is everything. I struggle with comparing myself to others all the time. I love the quote, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” Fantastic post!!
I love that one too :) Thanks for sharing!
super love all of this, especially the quote about bad days. also…totally agree about the comparison bandwagon. sometimes i feel like i am not a “real runner” cuz im not fast and the longest race i have done is 1/2 marathon. so silly but easy to fall into the trap. Also agree with the beach idea….im at a time in my life where i sorta feel like i have no idea where things are going to go. i equate it to standing on the beach and trying to look out over the ocean and see land. its so crazy you see everything and nothing at the same time. and of course no land ! well..i just got back from the beach a few weeks ago and i stood and looked out and saw nothing but was reminded…that there is so much beauty out there in the things you do see and the things you dont…and just like the waves, life sorta keeps on going whether you want it to or not. so now….you have me thinking really dorky life type things right now too !!!!!!!!
Even though I go to the beach regularly and live near it, it feels magical every time. Now THAT sounds so weird to say but it really adds perspective to my life.
I love your blog for posts like this. It’s SO true. I’ve always wanted to run a marathon but I definitely starting feeling like it was the “normal” thing to do when I entered the blog world. We all have our bad days or bad weeks (with running or otherwise) and it’s totally normal. It’s so easy to get caught up in that comparison trap. For me, I used to feel like running 50-60 miles a week wasn’t enough which is CRAZY just because I saw other bloggers doing 80+ regularly. Now, I know my body and mind are most comfortable around 30-35 miles. I did jump up for a few “peak weeks” but for the most part, that’s where I plan to settle because I feel my best and run my best, regardless of how much mileage I see others doing.
Great post. Once again :)
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That’s why I love YOUR blog. You are so honest with your training, know what works for your body and do things differently if needed. As for the comparison trap…man I wish I had an answer to that.
Being real makes you a person not a cliché, and this is what I love so much about your blog. A marathon is an incredible challenge and one to be respected regardless of the reasons for doing it or the training plan beforehand so never feel as though you have to defend any of these on the internet.
I am also guilty of taking a lot for granted in many aspects of life and I am making it my challenge to be more mindful before hitting the ‘its not fair…I have so many problems…’ grumble.
V. jealous of your beach trips though! We had a downpour today. xx
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You are so sweet. Thanks as always for your support. I’m trying to be more mindful of my “complaints” too. That one is a work in progress.
I feel like it’s raining everywhere now! Unfortunately we got rained out at the beach but a few hours of sun was good enough for me.
I love that quote. Sometimes when you look at social media and see everyone else’s life you kind of forget what you have. Just because someone looks happy and successful on the outside does not necessarily mean that everything is perfect. There is no such thing as perfection. I ran a race and felt absolutely amazing, it was a 10k but I am recovering!!!!
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
So great to hear you felt strong in your race! That’s a wonderful feeling, congrats!
As always, I appreciate your honest blogging!
Something good from my weekend…spending time at a friend’s house on Friday who baked gooey homemade cinnamon swirl bread. YUM. Lots of my weekend involved studying for a midterm I had today, so it’s over now (AKA best feeling in da world!)
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Handing in a midterm is a literal weight off my shoulder! Had that last week! I read your blog and hope the rain is gone soon :)
I say this a lot to you, but for someone so young you have a very wise soul! Love when you write posts like this. It shows how mature you are about life…how grateful…and it is very beautiful. :)
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I still have a lot of maturing to do, but I always appreciate your kind words. XOXO
Your bit about running a marathon not being the norm really gave me pause. I’m going to be running only a couple next year to save PTO/money for my honeymoon, so I will probably train for a half or 10K for part of the year instead. I’ve been finding it a little hard to deal with because I feel like I’m “failing” if I’m not training for a marathon, but your post was a great reminder that it’s easy to get caught in a marathon bubble!
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I also get in mindsets that I’m “failing” if I’m not training or running regularly. But I personally can’t be “in training” all year and know that I enjoy other forms of exercise during those running breaks.
The beach totally “resets” me too! Of all the elements, we must be water babies :)
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Or sun goddesses!
Yes girl! The fact that you are evening training for a marathon is so cool and inspiring! Many people, myself included, dream about being able to complete just your training runs! I agree, the beach helps everything! I really need to go ASAP, I did manage to lie out by the pool this weekend with my girl friends though :)
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The pool is a good substitute :) Anything outside in the sun. Hope you have a great week!
Love how you keep it real! I have to do this with myself every now and then…remind myself that you are and do enough and to snap out of comparing myself to others.
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Thanks, Sara! It happens to everyone but I’m making an effort to nip it in the butt.
It’s crazy how we can lose perspective and miss out on the joy of how much we accomplish. It’s like saying I’m running just a half. Great read Emily.
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Love this! Injuries always put things in better perspective. This is a good reminder for when we’re not injured…. ;)
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Even though I am not a runner, I can totally relate to this post. I go through weeks where I feel really good, and weeks where I feel all out of sorts. I think this week was an out of sorts one… Stressed for different reasons, tight muscles…I almost pulled my glute muscle in a bodyattack class yesterday. I had planned to stay for the whole hour to help support the instructor with new material. But I only made it 20 minutes. I was super bummed and felt horrible for leaving, but knew I had to in order to prevent further injury. Perspective is a great thing to keep in mind, always, for everything <3 Happy Friday, Emily!
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I love your thoughts on all of it. Better safe than sorry to cut a run short but even better to remember why you’re running.
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comparing yourself to others is such an easy thing to do, but we never stop to think about the negative consequences to our mental health!! if it makes you feel better, i will probably never have the guts or courage or stamina to run a full or even a half marathon. soooo i think you are amazing for the work you have put in!!!
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If we have to suffer through the summers in Florida than we definitely get to brag about going to the beach and being able to wear sandals in October :)
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I feel like I say this on all your posts but just YES! Haha
Also the beach really is the ultimate perspective putter inner (not a thing, but totally a thing)
The ocean is really good at making people feel small (in a good way)
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It’s so true that comparison is one of the biggest traps. It’s easy to do if you are part of the fitness world, to compare yourself with other fitnessistas but we’re all on our a different journey, and it’s better to just appreciate that other people are at different points in the journey instead of comparing those different points. :) I love that you wrote this, because it encapsulates each person’s training journey so perfectly.
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