Sunday, May 11, 2008

Virtual 10K on the 10th

Where to begin. Today was my first attempt at running since I smashed my 10K PR last Sunday at Run for the Zoo. I've been nursing a mild injury all week. I thought about claiming last week's run as my virtual 10K and not attempting to run today at all. But I figured that was cheating. Mostly cheating myself out of the opportunity to get outside and move my body.

It was just about three years ago today that I got the crazy idea that maybe I could do a sprint triathlon if I trained for it. It took me a full three months after the idea popped into my head before I bought running shoes and got myself out the door for the first time. I couldn't make it a half mile without feeling fully out of breath. I wondered how I would ever run 3.1 miles, much less afer a 400m swim and 12.5 mile bike. I thought maybe the bike would be easier, but my first attempt yielded 6 slow miles and completely wore me out. It would be another 6 months before I got serious about swimming and took lessons. And it took a full month of lessons before I could swim one length of the pool and back.

My lifestyle has changed sooo much since then. I rode my bike to work twice last week. I often wake up a few hours early, eager to get to the pool or the gym. I had an awesome 27 mile ride with Cindy on Friday. Husband & I now regularly run races together (5K, 10K,Half-Mary). I've done a handful of triathlons including a couple Oly distance.

The truth is, I've come too far to let a poor performance keep me from going outside and doing what I love.

So the plan for today was as follows: Go easy. Leave the pride at the door. Take as many walk breaks as needed. Try to cover the distance. Do NOT make the injury worse. It's a beautiful day; enjoy the moment.

I knew in the first half mile that my leg wasn't fully recovered and that I was going to do a lot of walking. I stuck to the plan. I went out easy. I left my pride at the door. I took as many walk breaks as needed (including one that was 2 miles long - ha!). I covered the distance. I don't think I made the injury worse. It was a beautiful day; I enjoyed the moment.

And with that, I proudly submit my PW (personal worse) 10K time of 1:27:54 for the 10K on the 10th Virtual Club Run. It may have been painfully slow, but it sure beats sitting on the couch...and for that I am grateful.

19 comments:

  1. And look how far you've come in three years. And how far you will go in the years to come! Good job. Better to be out than sitting it out.

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  2. You DID GREAT! and should be so proud of yourself. I understand the injury issue, as I've decided to take a week off of running from an injury in my right leg. Blah... so taking it easy was the best decision. Congrats on a great 10K.

    Happy Mother's Day!

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  3. You did really well, you got out you did it and your time is really GREAT!

    I've RUN 10K's slower than that, so good for you....

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  4. This post is exactly why I love reading your blog :-) You so rock Lisa! ;D ;D

    AWESOME JOB on the 10k :-)

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  5. Awesome job!! Way to be smart and listen to your body!! AND I am so impressed with all of the changes you have made! Way to be out there and active!

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  6. Wow - I might have cheated myself out of the run! Way to stick it out!

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  7. Awesome run! Finishing way more important than time.

    Wishing you a Happy Mothers Day!

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  8. What an awesome attitude! I think it's great you got out there, but played it smart.

    Hope the injury is getting better.

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  9. Nah... That's HTFU! Nicely done!!

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  10. I'm glad you didn't cheat yourself out of the chance to enjoy the moment and reminisce about how far you've come. Thanks so much for getting out there with us!!

    Nanc
    XOXO

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  11. First of all, great job on coming so far in 3 years.

    Second, there is no such thing as a PW (Personal worst) for any distance. The only personal worst is not getting out and running at all.

    Great job!

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  12. Awesome job on getting the 10K even though you weren't feeling it.

    And I agree with Chad about the PW

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  13. yup...I am there with Chad and Jess...no such thing as a PW...my
    5Ks this year have been so much worse than last year...but you know what I did it...and you did too!
    Rest up and take care!

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  14. Congrats, Lisa! Great race report. True inspiration you are!

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  15. Definitely smart listening to your body. You sure have come far these last 3 years

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  16. We have so much in common with starting with a sprint tri. What an adventure.

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  17. Congrats on winning a prize for Nancy's race! :) I hope you enjoy the book!

    Brianna

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  18. I'll second your closing statement!

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