Finally Running Again!!!

It has been a very, very long time since my last post. This is not because I have not wanted to write anything. I simply have not had anything to write about. My last marathon was on February 19. Up until 2 days ago, I had run once since then totaling a whole 4 miles. That is the longest break I have had since I was injured my freshman year of high school and had to sit out 3 1/2 months. People were always really surprised when I would tell them I was taking some time off. Yes, I was partially just being lazy, but there was a bigger reason than that.

I was burned out. I had done too much, too soon, with too little training. To put it simply, I ran myself into the ground. Looking back on it, I'm just happy not to be injured. I ran 4 marathons in 4 months with very minimal training (if you could even say I did that much). Insanity at its finest. I knew something was wrong when I was sick to my stomach the night before my last marathon and had been dreading it the whole week before. Frank Shorter, the 1972 Olympic marathon gold medalist once said "You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming." I had read this before but never quite understood it. I now know exactly what he meant. I was simply doing too much. I had to take a break and get back to running for the right reasons. I love running because it is a passion of mine. But the stress of so many marathons without preparing my body beforehand was taking a toll on my body and mind. As soon as I stopped loving it, it becomes a miserable task. By taking a long break, I allowed my body to recover and to get back to the reason I run - for the love of the pain and the accomplishment that comes with finishing any run.

Two days ago, I was studying for finals and needed a break to clear my mind. Unknowingly, I was starting my marathon training. During that run, I felt a sensation I hadn't felt since high school. I was enjoying myself and actually felt good running on a normal training run. I went running the following day. Lemme tell you, I hate being outta shape. It was miserable. Muscles were sore that I didn't even know could hurt. I was running slower than I had run in a very long time. It was a very tough run... and I loved it! That is what I took so long off for. The love of the pain that comes when your body is screaming from soreness and you push it harder and faster anyways. I am back. The passion of running is finally back and I am ready to run!

After that first run, I sat down and figured out all the dates for the upcoming year. I am very detailed when it comes to running and planning everything out. So here is what I have to look forward to (and anyone who actually reads this can look forward to reading about as well):

12 weeks to get in shape

July 30: beginning of 24 week training program (hopefully under the brilliant guidance of Coach Devlyn Lovell)

Jan. 13: Chevron Houston Marathon

50 Miler sometime in the spring

By choosing to run the Houston Marathon, I will have to find a different 50 miler to run than originally planned. I will need more time to recover and add more distance to my training. I have not found one yet (haven't really looked much), but I hope to run the 50 miler towards the end of March or some time in April. I know it is still a long way away, but from past experience, it comes up on you much quicker than you can imagine.

Having never really trained properly for a marathon, I am excited to actually give it a try this time. I know I have said this before every marathon, but I have seen the effects when I don't train, and don't want to be in that spot again. I have some very lofty goals for myself and realize that if I want to ever reach my peak in running, I will have to get some self-discipline in regards to training. I am still very young for distance running and have years until I even begin to near my peak. By hopefully gaining the discipline now, it will be much easier to accomplish at least some of my goals.

I know this isn't all that exciting of a post to read, but just thought I'd write something since it has been awhile. I hope to start writing more often now that I am finally training again. This next year is going to be a fun time. It will be difficult, but I am ready for a challenge again. 

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this. I do write it as motivation for myself, but I love to share my running with anyone who will listen. Thanks for taking time out of your day to read this.

And as always, I know that it is God who has given me the talent to run. I have done nothing to deserve it and would be wasting a gift from God if I did not use it. He has given me this gift, and I will continue to run knowing this and being thankful every day that God has allowed me the ability to run.