A Training Schedule

So someone asked me recently how the training was coming and what kind of schedule I was using. I didn't know how to respond and felt like a deer in the headlights,unable to move, for I don't really have a "schedule", I merely survive. It's one day after another, one foot/ step at a time. I would love to have the discipline of looking at a piece of paper with the confidence of being able to run or practice the things suggested on it, all with the end goal of being more fit. I almost envy the people that participate in those "running groups" and don't have to work on the weekends so they can do "long runs". However, what has happened with me and the last two training schedules, is that I find that my work, school, horse and a little social life, all take precedence or that they are unpredictable, so I don't have a "time" when I can get the training in when the paper says to. I find myself frustrated and irritated that I missed a run, or don't have time to fit a long one in, or I need to have energy for work so I can't do the intervals (speed and hills tend to wipe me out). So, I survive. I do what I can when I can and I am learning to just not worry about it. I have this Cascade Lakes Relay thing coming around the corner and of course I don't feel fit enough, but I guess I haven't for the other things up to this point either.
I know that I am burning calories, that I need to do squats, lunges and strength training, I swim or ride a bike around town and I take my dog for walks, all this should count for something. To be honest, I am enjoying myself! My time is getting slower, the distance a little longer and the garmin doesn't rule my life. It's quite nice and I feel much better when I don't get anxious, but just savor the moments and allow myself some rest days. We are all different; we run differently, are motivated differently, our bodies respond differently and we each have our own reasons for doing what we do with our exercise time. I am learning to be comfortable with that and that I don't have to fit in a routine. This is a challenge for me. Most of the time I never feel like I am using what little time I do have to it's highest efficiency and always wonder if I pushed myself hard enough. I am letting go, one day, step, moment at a time.

Quite Fit Enough

I never really feel quite fit enough. I ran that Smith Rock Sunrise Classic, and I certainly didn't feel like an athlete going into it. I don't know what it is, but the time commitment to getting any length of exercise in is so hard. I keep telling myself during the times that I do work out that I am an athlete. A high schooler was explaining to me their off season work out schedule and that the coach keeps telling themselves to say, "I am an athlete." everyday. I am nervous because the Cascade Lakes Relay is coming up and I need to be able to tackle some pretty big tasks, stay up for long periods of time and not the let the team down. I think I am going to have to start running twice a day on the days that I do work out, even if they are for short distances. I know they are going to be short distances, I don't have the time to run long ones. It seems that I am going to have to bank on some core and foundational strength training to get me through. If I work real hard in this coming week and a half, do some varying distances the week following, a few days off, then I should be ready to go. I think the mental stamina is the hardest part for me. It's as if my mind wants to quit but my body can keep going. The advantage I have right now is that I have lost ten pounds. I never drink enough water though, and should make that a priority in the coming days ahead. I read how life giving it is, supplies energy, repairs muscles helps the brain to think more quickly and efficiently. There are so many benefits so I don't know why it's such a hard thing to do. Actually, anything worth while is usually hard to do. Well, I am off to go for a short four miler this morning before going to work! Here it goes.... for I am an athlete!

Smith Rock Sunrise Classic

I just finished the half marathon at Smith Rock State Park. The scenery was breathtaking, the temperature not too hot and lots of new memories made. I can't wait to share them! For now, I am off to go work, but tonight we shall reconvene.