A Fine Line, A Finish Line

If you ask any athlete- casual to elite- where the line is between pushing too hard and not giving enough effort, they are likely to tell you it is extremely fine. This minute boundary between injury and victory often torments me, and does so especially now, as I enter into even more uncharted territory with running, my health, and a state of grace.

After an initial round of lab testing, nothing has sprung up that gives any immediate red flags to explain my recent sickness after heavy exertion. To catch up on the first of those, read my post on the Warrior Dash. I've changed my goals and rearranged my training plan to allow for more time to build endurance and to build mileage- this weekend I had slated myself to run 10 miles Saturday morning. Instead I did the BWL's Hometown Power 5K, walking the first mile and running the end 2. I had to work hard to stay focused, stay relaxed, and not allow myself to slip into negativity about 'going slow'.

About mile 2.25, I passed Lesha Broomes, who was also featured in a previous blog post of mine. It had been pouring hard rain for around 20 minutes, and Broomes had her raincoat on and a bottle of water in hand, but she was still steadily making her way to the finish line. Any doubts or misgivings I'd originally had about 'going slow' on the course that morning vanished as I cheered extra loud for Lesha when she crossed and was given her Finisher's Medal.

 

Comments

[Peggy Dutcher]

Broomesey is very inspiring. She is going to do well in achieving her goals. It is overwhelming to see how much support she has from Team Playmakers and others.

Peggy Dutcher

[Lindsey]

Hang in there, Anna! Long term training seems like it requires a lot of patience. You've got the strength and commitment, and it sounds like a plan that builds gradually may be the third key ingredient.
Speaking of, I'm about to start a long-term training plan for distance events, a little intimidating for me - maybe we can be moral support buddies!