Wednesday evening ruminations. Normally I don’t have enough time to think through the things I write on here. So I just post whatever seems apropos at the moment. Since I’m traveling this week, I have enough time to slow down and think a bit.
I ran another 12 miles on the BWI loop after work. When I woke up this morning, I didn’t run and thought I should probably take a day off. I’ve been feeling a little beat up and unrecovered each day – normal signs that an off day is needed. Work was long and stressful, and as I was driving back to my hotel I saw many cyclists and runners on the trail. It hit home that I really wanted to be out there. If I was a professional runner, it would be my job to make the 100% logical decision and focus on recovery. Since I’m not a professional runner, I ran the loop at a decent clip and had a great time.
It’s easy when training for a goal race to think that it’s the gravitational center of my running. But it’s not. Even when one of those rare great races transpires, the value of that moment is limited. You can go back and caress the medal every day, but the moment constantly recedes.
On the other hand, the process of training gives you a well you can return to. Today, I knew I should probably recover, but what I really wanted to do was run 12 miles at a decent clip and just enjoy the ride. Getting into that flow is something very few people have access to, unfortunately. It’s one of the best mind-body connections you can have without illicit substances.
Going back to recovery- normally by Wednesday I’d have done a workout. I’ve been holding off because I’m planning to do my peak workout (16 miles @ MP) on the BWI loop before work on Friday. I expect this to be challenging, and I need every edge I can get.
On the matter of plans, I’m mostly convinced the above is the right thing to do, but I have my doubts. I would hope that anyone reading this, who happens to disagree, would feel free to do so. The topic of disagreement is on my mind since I’m currently working with a client in a role that requires mediation. Often, programmers code a process and become attached to that design. Critiquing the design is akin to critiquing the person’s intelligence, merit, value, etc. I have always had a disconnect with ideas – I feel that they can and should be debated separately from value judgments about the parties involved. There are lines of course – you don’t engage in personal insults in an ideas discussion. But why would you, if the debate is about ideas?
Going back to my plan for Friday – I’ve been scoping the loop on my easy runs for places to plant water bottles, best start location, etc. Although I’ve done a few 10 mile MP runs, I’m pretty unsure about my prospects here. This loop is mostly flat but does have enough roll that I’m concerned my lack of hill training will be exposed. I have enough thoughts on that for another post, so I’ll end there.
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