Over Ambitious

After last week was deemed 'Celebration Week' I was determined to get back on track this week. I am running the San Antonio Marathon in like 2 weeks and was feeling the pressure (and maybe secretly hoping for another killer race) to get back at it strong.

Well, that didn't happen this week. I was over ambitious on several accounts. First, I was in charge of a large special event for work this week which would require long hours, lots of time on my feet and because I'm a worry wart, stress. So to think I was going to knock out a killer week plus host a successful work event was too ambitious. Second, and most importantly, my body just was not ready to 'get back at it'. Not at all.

I went into Baltimore less than 100%. I wasn't sand bagging when I said I was having serious leg/hip issues and have been dealing with them since January. I was serious when I said I was not confident going into the race. Some days were good, some days were bad and some days were really good and really bad, and I was lucky enough to have a great race day in Baltimore and come away with a PR. I can't be thankful enough for that. I feel like it was my body's way of saying 'Here you go. You've worked hard, overcome some obstacles, so here's your freaking PR. Now leave me the f*&k alone for awhile." I get the message now and clear now.

Long story short, I'm dealing with hip/leg issues again. I feel like someone is stabbing me in the butt with daggers at all times, now on both my left and right sides. I haven't run much this week, and I finally folded my cards yesterday and am not running (or cross training) at all this weekend (and beyond for how long?) including a DNS for a race I was supposed to run today (Sunday).

[I've also continued eating like I'm celebrating the Olympics, partly due to work stress, not giving a f, and frustration with my uncooperative legs. But hey that's what stretchy pants are for...]

#fatfluential

The weird thing is, is that I'm okay with it. Not to be uber cheesy but you know the Kenny Rogers' song the Gambler? He sings:

"You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
Know when to walk away, know when to run"

Well, that's how I feel. I've been stubborn as shit for a long time and powered through when I've been too freaking stupid to call it a day. Always striving for some bigger, something better and something faster. I know ya'll know what I mean. After awhile it gets exhausting, and I've finally realized maybe this all is just a breath of fresh air.  And maybe it's what I need. Too often my ego gets in the way, so maybe this is all a sign that I need a change of perspective for awhile.

The past two mornings I slept til the glorious hour of 8 am. Yesterday, instead of getting up to lace up my running shoes, I stayed in my PJ's and watched my DVR'd episodes of Nashville and Jersey Shore [quality]. Once Dan got up, we leisurely had coffee, took the dogs to the park then had some greasy burgers and fries at Hardtails [also quality]. Then we hung out watching football. I imagine today will be more of the same. And I'm enjoying it.

Spending time with my favorite red head

I also got to hang out more with this guy.

Injuries happen, set backs happen. I'll take it as a sign of some much needed downtime. I may gain a few pounds. I may lose some fitness. I may run San Antonio slow or have to downgrade to the half. But, in the long run [pun intended], I am not defined by my running times. They are not my end all. I’ve learned over the years that when I let running define me, I invite a whole bunch of disappointment.

I'll be back. But for now you can find me on the couch with some good eats. :)

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged.” Lucille Ball