My last post was a while ago. I have been away. Away from posting, and running. I went through a physical injury (IT band Syndrome) and a bit of a mental hurdle as well.
I think my knee was trying to tell me something. I was doing so well doing things my own way, then I began to doubt my own inner running brain and tried to start altering my training based on other people. I was doing way too much mileage way to soon after Cowtown thinking I needed to pile runs on top of runs to be successful. Well, success for one person is not the same as success for another. I find success in completing things and being happy about my accomplishment. NOT Comparing myself to others. I do however love coming home with rewards for a job well done. So I realize I need to alter my training and running so that I have the best outcome for ME. I know that trails here in Arkansas are very technical, There are lots of races here that are far to technical and I know they will not be happy runs for me. Those I will avoid from now on. I know that there are certain situations in the past that I have put myself in that are stressful. . I will avoid those. Choosing running partners is a tricky thing also. Sometimes it's best to run alone when you can so that you don't stress your body unconscionably. Yes, unconsciously! You can think your run is an equal event but you don't know your not running your race, your running somebody else s and you will end up with an injury. The same goes with training schedules, training styles and techniques.
I will make my own schedule because I know my own body and I will not let anything outside influence me. I have run over 24 marathons and two ultra marathons and I'm pretty sure I know what I need to do to increase mileage in my own way. I need adequate rest after an event. EVERY event. I need adequate rest after every long run. I don't care what others say about training any more. ....I'm going to do this my way because when I try to do things like others do them I end up with an injury. I know I can do this....I will do it my way.
So!
This weekend I'm planning to hit the trail again. :) whoo hoo
I spent 11 weeks recovering from IT band syndrome, hopefully that is behind me now and I can continue training for my big events. I can't wait!
Poky Ultra is back and Pokier than ever! :)
