This shirt needs a makeover…
I didn’t post a winner on Friday because I wanted to give two updates: 1. who wins the Asics and 2. whether or not I was going to take on NYC. I’ve read (and reread and reread) all of your comments, and every time, I get a little teary. I felt very self-centered asking you guys to weigh in, but I was overwhelmed and humbled by the responses, even if there was a free pair of shoes attached.
“I think you should go for it but have fun with it and not shoot for a PR. You mentioned you’re craving some order and the satisfaction that comes from having a schedule and this would definitely do it.”–Ellen
I honestly didn’t know what to do. And now I do.
Much better…although I look like I’m trying to hitch to NYC, not run it.
Rereading the post, I realize that I underrepresented my injuries. Make no mistake: I’m still struggling–an understatement after spending way too much time in a car and on a plane, the two positions that aggravate my leg the most–and a 30-minute run is plenty for me these days.
My injuries are not a what-if. They’re a what-the-hell.
“I’m a longtime follower of your blog, and given that your propensity to have injuries (and trouble recovering from them) is like Sarah’s propensity to be competitive, I’d be a little hesitant if I were you. You might really set yourself back, which as you know can be very depressing.”–Lisa
But I also realize that this is the opportunity of a lifetime: not only to cover 26.2 in NYC, but, more importantly, to have you guys cheering me on. It sounds corny, but I know of no other way to say it: I feel amazingly blessed. I feel supported and understood and accepted and–yes–ready for the challenge.
“Yes. I think you should because I have yet to do one and think that SOMEONE should be running long distances even if it’s not me. I would love to follow your training for it. So, really, it’s not about you, it’s all about me!”--Amy
So I’m in. But I have caveats.
1. I am going to listen to my body. If a training session hurts too much, I’m done. If I wake up hobbled in pain, no workout except stretching and maybe light yoga.
2. My biggest concern when I run is going to be my form, not my time. My Garmin is staying in the random electronics basket, where I’m pretty sure my tape Walkman is fermenting, for at least a few months, if not through race day. (Stay tuned: Friday is my first form video–and vpod!)
“You’d better polish your little black running dress.”--Katie
3. Did I mention I was going to listen to my body? I really am. When I told SBS of my decision, with all the conditions, she said, “Can you put that in writing? Because I know you have the ability to just tough it out.” None of that. There will be no toughing it out, except maybe on race day.
4. I want to cross the finish line in NYC as a stronger, healthier, more efficient, smarter runner who’s got a rock-solid body to prove it. If I’ve done that, I don’t care what the clock reads.
“I will tell you to use the next six weeks wisely. I used the Jillian Michaels’ training program for the six weeks before I started official training. I gained a ton of total body strength, and I think it has helped a lot.”–Michelle
5. My training is going to be unconventional; I learned, through the Nike Marathon adventure that you can prepare numerous ways for a marathon (if your goals are broad, like mine.) So I’m planning on running trails for time, not miles, for most of my long runs; I’m going to swim and bike pretty heavily; I’m in for Pilates at least 2x a week; I’m going to strength train, as Michelle suggests, starting tomorrow.
6. I reserve the right to cut any workout short if need be so I can 1. stretch and 2. foam roll.
O.k., enough of this boring stuff. Let’s get this party started. Come July 1, I’ll post my workouts somewhere, tbd, in case you want to vicariously train. Again, thank you so much for your comments, thoughts, yays and nays. I’ll think of them often as I travel this journey.
Enough about me: the winner of the Asics is Chrissy, who writes:
“Yes! Yes! Go for it!! You will be my inspiration! No pressure! Ha! Ha! I just did a 10k in Annapolis, MD and am debating a 1/2 marathon in September. I have been weighing it all week! This is the 1st time in 39 yrs that I have ever been excited about anything related to exercise and competition. Go for it!”
O.k., Chrissy. I’ve committed. Time to put your new Asics to good use: you’re in for 13.1, right?
yeahhhhh Dimity!!!!! Can’t wait to follow you along your newest journey!!
Way to jump in! I’m sure you’re doing everything you can with re-habbing your injuries. Sometimes we just have to try and see what we can do. I’m thinking of signing up for a half marathon in the fall just to get in the groove again post marathon (i did my first in April). I don’t want to run 26 again, but I could definitely get into 13, and that would give me a reason to run more than the 3.5 miles I’m slogging out now.
Good for you- you have absolutely been my inspiration! I need to give your book to all my active friends. I love having the training schedule, but it’s good to be flexible, right? My husband (the natural athlete) and me (the workhorse-not at all athlete) are training right now for a marathon. He is all or nothing- I have to remind him that it’s ok to skip a day and get right back on that schedule.
I recently sprained my ankle BADLY (grade 2-3), and have been in a similar debate over running a race (13.1) coming up in the fall. I am anxious to see your workouts and get some ideas for training, because I don’t want to give up my goal, and I don’t want to do any more damage either. We (runners) are in this for life, right? I think life throws stuff in your path so that you will find a way to train around it.
Holly: I’ll be sure to post them once I get down to business. I spent a ton of time on the bike and in the pool when I had ankle issues (no kicking: I used a pull buoy between my legs). Here’s to quick healing!
Congratulations, Dimity! I bet it feels great simply to have made the decision!
Here’s hoping that your training goes well and provides you with the structure that you’re (we’re all!) craving :-)
Saweet! Aaaahhh, decision made. That’s half the battle (for me anyway – I’m the queen of registering last minute). Looking forward to following your training posts, Dimity.
I think you’re smart to hit the trails. My left leg is the black sheep of the bod and from hip to toe it will give me grief (PF, IT, calf strain, flexer crap, etc). But, it’s been stellar since I found trail running. I use so much more of my body. My feet and ankles are stronger, quads are more powerful and, most of all, each step on the trail is different. My left leg doesn’t get stuck in the repetitive stride that road-running gives you. Then, when I do hit the road… it’s smooth sailing. I’m faster and it feels easier. Rock it!
Awesome! So glad you’re doing it! I think you’d regret it if you didn’t. Happy, healthy training!
And I’m beyond disappointed I did not make it down to Fleet Feet in Chicago to see you last week. I was fulfilling my chaperone duties sitting in a muggy, mosquito-infested tent at Girl Scout camp instead.
Hey Marcia–no worries. life gets in the way. gotta say, I was glad it was you in the mosquitoes and not me: that’s one thing I don’t miss about the Midwest. next time, our paths will cross.
Yay! So excited for you and this decision. (and thanks for the shout out!).
Fave line of this post: My Garmin is staying in the random electronics basket, where I’m pretty sure my tape Walkman is fermenting.
Also, two words: Yo-ga. I switched form pilates to yoga this year and it has worked miracles (allows for more stretching than Pilates, while strength training, just don’t pay attention to all the hocus pocus-ness of it all).
Also, call me, let’s run together. yahoo!
Congratulations, and please keep us updated of your progress. You are amazing, and I really think women don’t hear that enough these days. Enjoy the journey.
Thanks Tryna–nobody hears that enough these days, especially moms. Don’t worry: PLENTY of progress reports to come.
Awesome! Good luck with the training and most importantly – have fun!!
Can’t wait to hear about it! We are all cheering for you!
So glad to read about your decision, Dimity! Just take it like it comes, sister! I think things will work out just fine. I’m going swimming. I just had to face the sad reality that bad pie tastes fine as long as it’s cradled in an Oreo crust. Can’t wait to keep up with your training!!!!! Positive energy coming your way…
Thanks, Mary–and everything, I’m pretty sure, tastes better in an Oreo cookie crust. :)
Good for you, Dimity – I’m very excited to see how the training goes…and if you ever want to go for a run, I’m a stone’s throw away! I know you have a big group to run with but I’m off for the summer and would love to go for a run and catch up! Enjoy the training, and yea, listen to that body :).
Jill: I need you to show me some local trails. Anytime. As long as you’re in for LSD. emphasis on Slow. :)
I think you should take a mother or two with you…I am volunteering.
Maybe you can carry my water bottle, Joleen? :) I wish I could take a whole posse of RLAM’ers.
Way to go Dimity! I can’t wait to cheer for you on your journey! You’ve got a great approach outlined, and I really like that you’re going to be listening closely to your body. Plus, I think trail running will help loads. I just went on a lovely 6-mile hilly trail run last weekend and thought for SURE that my achy-breaky knees were going to give me grief for days, and I haven’t had a single pang requiring ice or ibuprofin!
Thanks, Carrie–I really love trail running. Occupies my mind and saves my body. Hope your knees are continuing to be happy!
Yay! Good decision – and so happy to know that I had a part in it! Because, like I said, really it’s all about me! ;) Seriously though – good luck – I’ll be cheering you on!
I hate when I forget to read a post and suddenly find it in my “unread mail” folder a month later!!
I know what I read on the blog…but really, a month after this post, it’s probably time for you to re-read these promises you made to yourself (if you haven’t already). It’s easy for me to say I’m going to listen to my body and not my Garmin, but it’s a lot hard not to listen to the voice in my head that says, “GO” when my body is saying, “NO” because my body has lied to me so many times. That’s the only way I’ve been able to run–learning to shut that voice off that says I can’t do it and keep going until I realize I can do it. Sometimes the injury gets lost in the shuffle a bit. I think you are (hopefully) in the process of retraining your body to only cry OUCH when there is a real reason.
I think the real reason I just got read this is because it’s EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. Thank you for writing from your heart and not just for the audience!!
:D
(I sure hope you get this comment!!)