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Me, defined. August 23, 2007

Posted by regivizz Marathon, Motivation, Run Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 5comments

While out for a jog this morning, I tried to make a list of things that keep me motivated.  One of those things is the marathon I ran.  I mean, come on, if I can run 26.2, I can finish out that next half mile, right? 

It’s funny though, how often people that I know through other people will come up to me and say “You’re a runner, right?” Nobody ever did this pre-marathon.  Now it happens all the time!  Realizing this makes me understand that even though I’ve been a runner at heart for a long time, and have spent countless hours through the years running, my friends and family did not take me seriously until the marathon.  I’m no longer introduced as “she’s a science person” or “she does microbiology stuff” but it’s now “meet my friend, she’s a runner.”

That motivates me.

What motivates you?

Workout:

Walk - 0.3 hours - 08/23/2007 August 23, 2007

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Run - 0.5 hours - 8/21/07 August 21, 2007

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Walk - 0.3 hours - 08/21/2007 August 21, 2007

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Post-Marathon Burnout August 16, 2007

Posted by regivizz Run, Running, Trails Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 7comments

I’ll admit it.  I’m struggling. 

It’s been 3.5 months since my marathon and I’ve run a total of 4 times. 

I didn’t run for a while due to a back injury I got while trying to put up new fence panels.  Somehow I managed to hurt it so badly that for the first week I could hardly walk, could carry nothing for several weeks and there was no way I could get out and run.

Then there was the burn out.  Running didn’t even sound fun.  Not.  Interested.  I didn’t want to force myself to get out there, because I want it to be something I enjoy, and I kept using that as an excuse.   And now, when it’s 100 degrees out, I feel like running again!  (Go figure!)

The desire is back.  Now, I’m dealing several issues, starting with the oh-my-goodness-I-can’t-even-run-a-mile-without-stopping syndrome.  Where has it all gone?  Aack! 

During marathon training, and when running just for fun before that, I was an after work/Saturday morning runner.  Now because it’s so hot, I’ve started running before work (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and then my normal Saturday morning.  Change of schedule is hard on me.  Is there anything I can do to make those mornings easier?

I’m back to my trail.  During training I’d run at the lake (pavement) because every mile and half mile was marked.  Now my distances are estimates (can’t afford that GPS watch yet!) since I’m on a dirt trail.  I like trail running much more than pavement, so that helps me get out there.

Any tips on beating the post-marathon burnout?

Workout:

Strength Training - 0.3 hours - 08/13/2007 August 13, 2007

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I’d forgotten August 11, 2007

Posted by regivizz Run, Running, Trails Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 3comments

But I remember now…

How amazing it feels to get out and run at dawn’s first light.

The tautness of my muscles during the beginning of my pre-run stretch.

The smell of the dirt beneath my shoes and the water in the creek.

The crunch of decaying leaves scattered on the ground.

The sound of nature waking up under the canopy of trees.

The rays of the sun streaming through the branches and landing on the root-crossed trail.

The desire to beat the “I can’t go any farther” attitude one stride at a time.

The thrill of running right past the two “wimp-out” trail exits.

The gratification of arriving at the finish.

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