For the first time ever, I've run for more than a full calendar year. I ran through snow. I ran on ice. I ran when it was -23 C. I ran when the wind was whipping my face. I ran in so many layers, it was doubtful that I could even move, nevermind run.
Through all of that, I kept myself going by telling myself that this was going to make me a stronger, better, faster runner.
At the time, I couldn't really tell if I was getting faster, because it's hard to run fast on ice. I definitely felt I was getting stronger, because running in the snow was getting easier and my calves were less and less sore. I was sure that when the snow melted in the spring, I was going to be able to hold a faster pace than I could in the fall.
Then I hurt myself.
Not only is my "comfortable" pace slower now than it was last fall, it's slower than it was last spring. I ran the half marathon in Vancouver last year at the same race as the full marathon I'm running this year. I doubt I could beat my time on the half course.
In the past month, I've upped my distance and put in my planned miles, but I have not pushed myself on speed for fear that I will re-trigger the injury. I know that playing it safe is smart, and I'd rather run the marathon slowly than not run at all. I'm trying to stay positive.
But I'm frustrated.
I can understand your frustration, but be patient, it will be worth it. Just keep going, you will get stronger and faster over time. Set yourself long term goals and use other races as milestones to get to the long term ones. All the best and keep it going!
ReplyDeleteIt's so frustrating to feel like you are moving backwards. It's not fair that it takes so long to build strength/fitness, and hardly any time to lose it. Hang in there and you'll get it back!
ReplyDeletei feel the EXACT same way!
ReplyDeleteu have no idea. ive been trying to keep it to myself and/or pretend its not happening. but i feel like im moving backwards. Even a 10 minute mile is hard for me, where last year i was running 9 or sub 9 minute miles. UGH.
what can we do about this?
What's your strength routine like? I was the same way, except when I got injured, I had to focus on strength training. Now I am waaaay faster. Strong abs, glutes and thighs equal faster pace.
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue after my hip injury and everybody told me it will come back faster. I doubt it and was frustrated for a while. Then I just told myself, forget about speed and enjoy running, that's when my sub 2 hour half marathon happened. Stay positive and just enjoy it, the rest comes by itself :)
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