Running, easy as A B C...Not!

     

     After years, even decades, of running we always have the opportunity to learn what works best for our training. The tweaks of our body are matched only by the tweaks we must make to our workouts.
     Early in our running, especially if we are young, there is a wide margin of error for overzealous training and racing. Some are lucky enough to rage through and continue on with no ills, but most of us must manage the highs and lows of good days and bad, successful seasons or not, and years of injury free running that we hold dear to our hearts because we know they are so precious.
     I've been working hard to manage my training the last four years as I trained in earnest for a BQ. I really enjoy training, especially over the past few years with our group. It's not about the racing, it's about the ability to head out for a group run or a solo adventure feeling like I am ready and able. Injuries and setbacks of the past embed themselves in my ink pen as I sketch out training schedules, knowing that I have to adjust to at least maintain, and be creative to improve. Liquid courage can take hold when setting goals or designing a post marathon recovery and upsurge plan, I must be careful not to red line, otherwise I'm just writing a prescription for knee pain, bursitis, hip pointer, etc, etc, etc.
     Hitting goals are a blast, whatever they are. Family, work, hobbies and of course running. But as I reset for the rest of this year, I know it's a blessing just to be out there. I want to push myself, dig deep and see if I can reach the goals I have set, but I must continually keep things in perspective. Much as I would love to bust it three or four days a week I know two are what works. I'll keep testing, even after all these years, but as a seasoned runner it's a fine line between pushing yourself through the wall and hitting your head against it. 
     Sometimes we just have to back off a step and slide to the next lane for a chance to move ahead. 
     Go Run!