My Body Type Was Screaming At Me To Stop
Monday, August 31st, 2009My body type was screaming at me! Remind yourself again. Why was I doing this? It had been suggested previously that my body type doesn’t like running! So why was I here?
It was a gorgeous day! The crowds had gathered over 3000 people to be exact and we were off with the crack of the gun. The wind was impressive to say the least and created such a head wind it wasn’t funny. Standing still was a challenge. I was strapped like Tutenkamen’s mother as my knees and ankles had been giving me heaps all week. I had yogaed my way through the previous day to ensure I was stretched in all the right places. For some reason I hadn’t slept well the night before. But I was prepared as well as four weeks preparation gives you – with injuries. The run ran on and even though my body screamed at me at the 7km to stop, I was determined I would crawl across on hands and knees, if need be to finish the 10.5ks. Who added that last 500 meters? It was only supposed to be 10.2ks…Some sneak. Anyway I did it and have the t-shirt, medal and the photos to prove it. Was it fun…nahhh. But was it satisfying…yep…sure was. Came in 35th (out of 56) in my age bracket. We won’t mention the 90 year old who passed me and came in a few minutes ahead of me.
I learned some really valuable lessons this week but particularly on the day.
1. Don’t change how you have trained. I drink only water normally – I added gaterade and paid with pain in the stomach after the race… I sip every 15 mins – there were only two drink stops (with cups) that spilled out both sides of your mouth and the stopping slowed you down. I was wrapped up more securely then I had been before and overheated my feet. There were a couple of other little changes that were only slight but which didn’t help with getting and staying focused.
2. Stay focused. This is lesson I have to keep learning – I had the music and the coaching ringing in my ears but sight was much more powerful and I was constantly distracted and lost momentum.
3. Its your race not someone else’s race. I was constantly feeling good as I passed someone and then let down when they would go past me. I shouldn’t have been swayed either way. It was a distraction.However there was a conflict of attitude when the 90 year old (well maybe not 90 but definitely in the 80’s) passed me. There was complete admiration and despising at the same time. Beaten by an octarian! But congratulations to him and congratulations to me. I did it! He did it too!
4. Don’t give up! Oh that last 500 meters sucked. I thought the start line was the finish line until my husband cheering me on yelled, ” not far now just up to the lights around the round- about and then back down to the finish line”…Oh that hurt and I felt the pain in my knees screaming. But I was determined to finish – and did too. There was a lot of cheering from the side line for me..even the announcer commented. I don’t know who you were but thanks. Even if I didn’t smile at the time (another thing I didn’t do that I normally do in training – it actually does help the psyche) – I was smiling on the inside.
5. Savour the moments of victory! That I did do, although a Rocky lift of the arms would have been fun – if I could have lifted them at that moment! I hugged my friends, my husband and my granddaughter and then ran for the drinks and oranges. Oranges have never tasted sweeter. It was a fulfilling moment.
6. Get the next challenge up and going! Don’t loose the momentum. Enjoy what you have accomplished. Have a rest – but then get up and get moving again.
7. Get to a doctor and find out what is going on with the legs! I am determined to continue so will remove all obstacles.
8. Don’t ignore the advice about body type but still do things that challenge and excite you.
Have fun as you explore other great books from my site to ensure you get as much information to transform your life and get the life you really want. I am woman and want to be the healthiest one I can be -for myself and for my family. Come on and join me! Read up and get dressed and lets go!
http://www.digitalebooksunlimited.com/diet/exercise
http://www.digitalebooksunlimited.com/diet/bodytype
http://www.digitalebooksunlimited.com/self-improvement/lifewant
