Oh 2020. There are about a million things we cannot control right now, and it can be stressful, frustrating, and honestly disheartening.
But! What we can control is our own actions. I signed up the RunSedona half marathon prior to the move, scheduled for February, that has obviously been postponed due to COVID19 and transitioned to a virtual race. I was automatically transferred to a postponed event (date TBA in November or December 2021), as well as being provided a complimentary virtual race option on the date of the original race. (Let it be said that this a really wonderful way to handle this, so kudos to the event coordinators). Anyway - at first I had no interest in a virtual race because what I really wanted was an in-person race - the adrenaline and excitement that comes from running in a crowd with extra motivation to complete the race - it just isn't the same as a virtual option when you are running alone on the sidewalk. I was of course, not shocked about the cancellation, but still bummed nonetheless. I wasn't sure that I would be able to travel November of next year and thought, does this mean I need to wait until 2022? So it was disappointing... all my races in 2020 got cancelled and it was the first time I was motivated to train for this distance in years!
But, that's silly. Why can't I train for a virtual race? If this year has taught me nothing, it's that we have to learn to adapt and see things differently. The next few months are not going to drastically change any circumstances, and I might as well set healthy goals for myself while we continue to remain isolated in our homes.
So! Training is back on! I am of course incredibly behind schedule, but better late than never!
Here's the plan: Keeping my 3 run schedule for the week (long run, short run, and speed/hills day), plus designated strength training 2x/week, and one day of cross-training (probably on Saturdays - hike, bike ride, walk, yoga).
I have some concerns about injury, considering the longest distance I have been completing up until this point has been a 3mi run/walk. I was able to run 2mi solo on Monday without stopping, but my legs were sore this morning so a 1.5mi run was hard to complete without walking. I have less time to ramp up my distance but want to make sure I'm not adding more than 1mi increase/week. Time to increase self-care and post-run/workout recovery (fuel, foam rolling, stretching, massage?). Still -
13.1mi of a run/walk is better than 0mi of sitting on the couch, so it is what it is. I will crawl if I have to (and not like I haven't done this injured before, ha!)
Learning to run this distance alone, self-pacing without someone at my side...this is all while learning how to run in the cold, and in the rain - a huge change from my Phoenix days. Also, it's SO DARK here! Daylight doesn't begin to break until after 7am and it's pitch black by 4:30-5pm. I need some reflective gear stat. I have increased my safety equipment (pepper spray, crazy loud alarm) - but now I feel like a sherpa and need something to carry the rest of my stuff in. It's a process. 😁
For the first time in awhile, I'm seriously feeling motivated, and feeling excited. What else is there to do in the middle of a global pandemic?
Let's do this! 💪
