One of the things that I found annoying when telling people about my upcoming race was when they responded, "It's just 3 miles". Now, it didn't bother me the first time, but it didn't take long for it to upset me. Just 3 miles for someone who has never run in her life is really a challenge. I had to work hard to get to 3 miles. I spent a lot of time away from my family to go out for a run. I had aches and pains that I never felt before. It's all good though, I was happy and feeling great.
I had one friend who I confided in about what people were saying. I told her it bothered me and now it is a little joke between us. She, by the way, never said to me, "it's just three miles". Thanks MB!
This brings me to today. I have some good news actually. I was given the OK to run, but just a little at a time. Don't over do it, just ease into it. Yeah!!!! This got me thinking. I was not able to run the whole 5k on Sunday. I hadn't run in about 5 weeks. I am out of running shape. I finished as you all know, but I did struggle a little. There was plenty of walking and I was 3 minutes over my best time. I am not upset over this. I wasn't planning on running. Now that I can run, where do I start? Do I just go out and see how far I can go without walking or do I start at, maybe, week 5 in the C25K plan? Knowing me, I will probably just see how far I can get and go from there.
The goal right now, is back up to 5k, which by the way is 3. 1 miles not 3! If you are gonna say something like it is no big deal, make sure you have your facts straight. And I mean that in the nicest possible way :)
I am excited to get out there and run again and happy that we are still having such nice weather. Hope it last a little longer.
What is the most annoying thing someone has said about running to you? Did you ignore it or say something back?
How long after an injury did it take you to get back to your average miles?
To me, no matter what your miles, it's a big deal. I am proud of every mile under my belt and you should be proud of yours too. Even the not so great runs are miles added onto your total. Even at my slow pace, I am faster than everyone on the couch.
So, whatever distance you are training for,
Run Strong, Think Big!
Oh gosh people are so rude sometimes!! That would upset me too. I think it's funny when people say, "You run for fun?" It doesn't really annoy me but it does make me laugh :) When I had shin splints it took around a month of no running to get back up to about 10 miles a week but right now I'm fighting hip tightness and I still haven't gotten back up into the teens and it's been 3 weeks and I have a 5k on Sunday! I can run at least 3 miles but not at the pace I want to but I have been feeling better with lots of stretching so not sure. It all depends on how bad your injury was and how well your body restores itself, oh and how well you take it easy and NOT overdue it. You'll be back up to 5k in no time :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have heard the run for fun comment too. You will do great at the 5k and I am sure you will be back at your normal pace in no time. Planning on running a little this week and hope my back is fine. Lots of stretching here too. Seems to be the only thing that makes me feel better, well that and ice.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to figure out where I want to go from here. My next 5K is in 5 1/2 weeks, but I want to do it faster. I planned on doing C25K again, but faster, after my first 5K at Thanksgiving. I think I am going to start again on week 4-5 and do that 2 days a week, and run a 5K on Sundays and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting back out there!
Congrats on being cleared to run! 3 miles is definitely a big deal to a new runner, that's unfortunate people weren't more sensitive! Hope you can build back quickly, I think it depends on the injury and how much cross training you're able to get in, but within a few weeks you should be feeling close to normal!
ReplyDeleteSomeone recently sent me a link to an internet article about a middle-aged woman who successfully completed a 5K.
ReplyDelete"Good for you!" I thought. As a fifty-nine-year old embarking on the same journey, I'll take my inspiration and encouragement wherever I can get it.
I finished the article and started to read the comments. Big mistake. One guy (umm, JERK) berated the newspaper company that saw fit to highlight this woman's accomplishments.
"Why should she be celebrated?" he asked, the marathoner par excellence. And he proceeded to state his long list of accomplishments.
Big deal, said he, it's only three miles.
No matter the responses arguing with him, he was completely belligerent in insisting that no one should be lauded for such a minor feat.
My feeling is that anyone considering improving their health, their lifestyle, by trying to run those three miles will find encouragement in reading about an ordinary, inactive woman, perhaps just like them, who DID IT! I know that's what gets me through the rough days in training.
Only three miles?
Bah!
It's THREE MILES!
~Connie Ciampanelli