Perpetual nagging injuries are
generously served up with ultra running.
It is difficult to convince yourself that taking time off the trails
will benefit your planned races for the year.
But, no matter how “bad-ass” you are, there are times that you need to
listen to your body and ease up on training.
Last year was not that year
for me… I chose to ignore an injury, run
through discomfort and failed at many race goals. We learn from our lessons and then soon
forget what we’ve learned; but here I go again!
I’m on the road to recovery after surgery and no running for 4.5
months. I completed 45 miles last week,
which is definitely a huge step in the right direction but literally miles from
where I want to go.
This year I was again, “lucky
in the lottery” and got into a couple of races I applied to. I had 16 tickets in the Western States lottery, with
one that was my “golden” ticket. That
set up a year I have dreamed of. From the time I learned about the “Grand Slam”
of ultra running; I have always said, “ If
I get in Western I will go for the slam.”
Only 44 women to date have completed it and I love to be challenged, so
here’s to 2016 and the Eagle!
One important benefit that comes from a “no
running” injury is the ability to think introspectively about what you’ve been
doing right and where you can improve. There
are many places I can improve, while still feeling confident that my
experiences will guide me through almost any adversity. A few thoughts are listed below and if I can
get myself to blog regularly I will add more.
Goals
Recover, get stronger and
faster
Learn how to run with less “stuff”
Plan to run the hills unless
it proves to be less efficient
Don’t over-schedule
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