Breaking up is Hard to do

It is important to recognize when enough is enough. Like an abusive relationship, you need to be able to look at what you have set up for yourself and critically analyze if it is doing you good or doing you harm. 

My last long run required too much of my body and I realized as I laid on the floor groaning, that I am simply too beat down. After having taken a few days off running, I had thought I would bounce back stronger than ever, but instead ended up with severe cramping. The mental strain of this set back was crushing and maybe tougher even than the physical pain. Almost...my legs freakin killed me!

I have decided that I need to be realistic about my expectations. I have never done any kind of speed work before, I always ran the miles required by a training plan. The run-the-miles idea is great for the 'I just want to finish' kind of race, but I actually want to shave several minutes off my pace (I know who do I think I am, an Olympic athlete?), which requires intense horrific beat down workouts.  I bit off more than I could chew.

The Marathon in the fall has been rolled over to next year and I am currently looking for one in January some time. This will give me time to start over. It was not an easy decision to make, but a necessary one.

So now, Dr Jack, as I take on round 2 with your training plan, I am bringing everything I've got and going to kick some serious butt! She says as she reaches for her liquid courage.

*This blog was brought to you today by 3 glasses of Vivác Syrah.

-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com

The Rising Sun

At 5:30am the air is crisp and cool. The sound of my feet hitting the pavement echos off the cascading rock walls along the road. The sky is filled with violet colored thick clouds and the giant old cottonwood trees of town sleepily reach toward them. Soon, as the sun stretches it's arms over the cover of clouds, a fuchsia streak snakes its way across the sky. It is exquisite.

If only the running itself was so exquisite.

I was absolutely naughty this past week and didn't run...at all. I meant to, but each morning when that hideous alarm went off and my bed felt just right, I groaned and put the pillow over my head. It was the white flag of signs to my husband who mercifully allowed me to go back to sleep. And so the week slipped by! Now, as a new week started, it was clear that we needed to get back at it. I even optimistically thought my legs may be really strong after the mini vacation, but guess what? They were not. Because I'm in training...and training is a type of Hell.

9 miles of knee pain and a ridiculous effort to hit a deathly slow pace, I came scretching into the house. I tried to ease the pain by drinking water, but finally picked up my cell phone and texted 3 words to my mom... "I hate running".

-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com