If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. ~Frank A. Clark~
Things haven’t gone exactly as I had planned over the last couple weeks but who am I to assume that the plan I create(d) will lead me down the correct path? The best I can do is have faith that the path I am on now will lead in the direction which I am “supposed” to be headed……and hopefully make me stronger and wiser because of it!
So I sit and enjoy the summer as much as possible. It seems almost wrong to be sitting with my feet wrapped in ice up and “chilling” but that’s all that I can do for now. My work and family schedule doesn’t allow much time for swimming but I do have the bike on the trainer in front of the big screen now. I managed 10 miles in 34 minutes last night. Not a big ride as I didn’t have the time but that’s pushing the pace for me on the trainer since I have no hills to throw in a little extra speed. I have never been strong on the bike, even weaker on the trainer. Possibly this entire process, which requires no running since I’m still not walking very well, will improve my bike? Possibly help me develop more focused, efficient power? Help me look like I’m serious instead of out for a joy ride?
We’ll see. I always say that if “it’s easy, then it’s not worth it”. This isn’t easy so I am going to assume that I am going to learn something or become better in some way as a result of this process. We’ll see.
What are you up to this summer? Any big races or are you focusing on slowing down?
** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com
TooTallFritz 
Focusing on getting fitter, faster and ready for the long haul !
My trick for the trainer was to DVR (or TIVO) my favorite shows and watch them only when I am on the trainer. So if you want to watch your favorite show, you have to bike. I stopped doing that but it got me over my dislike for the trainer and seriously improved my bike times 🙂
I actually moved the bike in front of the tv for the distraction but finding something to distract me is a real issue. We don’t watch much TV so don’t have ton of good channels, and no dvr, cuz we are outside DOING, not inside sitting. 🙂 It’s okay, I’ve TOTALLY Got This!
haha. Fair enough !
I fully agree with the statement that if it’s easy, then it’s not worth it. Persevere, girl!
So many choices. I choose to PERSEVERE! Thank you!
Injury is always the ultimate lesson in patience. You’ll end up mentally stronger because of it! (that is if you don’t drive yourself crazy–which is hard!) 🙂 Elizabeth
That’s exactly it; I’m going CRAZY. LOL! Insert mad, manical laugh…Bahahahahahahhaaha!!!!!!!!!
Don’t be so hard on yourself mentally or anguish much over it….you will rebuild in due time and probably be stronger too boot! Was just looking in my Masters Thesis and the inset page it says; “This thesis is dedicated to those who are willing to travel into an unfamiliar regions and persevere until they have completed their journey.” Just be patient…persevere and will you make it through this journey of recovering from injury. Keep your positive attitude…keep going to plan b, c, d or whatever it takes to adjust each time you encounter things not going as expected.
My plans for summer is just starting back to run-training for Fox Valley Marathon and in my 2nd full week. Nothing easy there and I am slow as a turtle, slogging-out 9:30-9:15 miles. The speed work I did last Wednesday was run at ca 8:00 pace…my former marathon race pace! And doing the x-train upper body, leg-strengthening and core routines, plus various stretching routines to keep plantar and sciatica at bay.
Just like you in many ways…frustrating…things not always going as expected…going to plan B or C at times….and just trying to be patient and see where this journey will take me….just how much I can rebuild or recover…and if I can run FVM and get a qualifying time into 2013 Boston.
Hang in there TTF and do the x-train and therapy the best you can….and catch-up on other things you put off cause of all the time spent on training!
Trying to be patient but I’m also getting a bit grouchy. 😦 And this is only the second week. It’s going to be a long road.
I know that all too well, I couldn’t even be around people,because I was a real B*****. I didn’t like how I was, how could I expect people around me to understand…there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, it may be dim, but it it there. And YES we learn something from every injury……other runners will understand and maybe, so if you can try cross training
with other runners and they will understand the grouchy!!
No slowing down for me!! Only working on getting faster, stronger, and more fit! I’ve been thinking about starting to train for a full marathon
Fun! Enjoy the journey; I bet you’ll love it. Such a challenge but its amazing how increasing the mileage in such small increments makes it all manageable. Kill it, girlie!
I love your perspective and your outlook. It’s so inspiring to hear how you are able to focus on the positive of any situation. I so relate to the thought of “If it’s not easy, it’s not worth it.” But, I’ve heard many times that biking and other cross-training exercises can really improve our running capabilities! So after all your bike work, you are going to be an even stronger and more powerful runner!!!
Thank you for the kind words! It’s normal to be sad or depressed when things don’t go “our” way but dwelling on the negative will only make it worse. I have to “suck it up” and move on just like anyone else. For now, I’ll do what I can do…….
Very well put Amanda, great spirit and motivation. You are doing fantastic.
I’m preparing for 3 Half Marathons all in Kent, England between August and October and the Loch Ness Marathon in September so just starting to step it up now!
Stay focused and best wishes
Colin
The Loch Ness Marathon sounds fun! Good luck. Can’t wait to see your progress on training and racing. 🙂
I understand your frustration in an injury bringing your normal running routine to a halt. The active bug inside of you will take to biking though–as it is a low impact exercise (as I’m sure you know) and you can develop different muscles this way!
If you want a good read that pertains to this exactly, “Force of Nature: Mind, Body, Soul, and, of Course, Surfing” by professional surfer and incredible athlete Laird Hamilton is outstanding. His training is so diverse–he gives great ideas and input for all types of sports and activities. He also has an entire section focused upon recovering, best supplements to take, quickest routes to healing, etc. It is chock full of great ideas. Just thought I’d suggest that for you!
Speedy recovery to you!
-Jesica
Many thanks! I’ll take all the suggestions I can get. 🙂