Today's run was the type to make you question what you run at all in the first place. I was tired and sluggish the entire time. I should've been feeling great. I took yesterday off and got plenty of sleep. The weather was average and I ran a familiar course.
20 years ago the purpose of my running was to win races, and to have a long shot at the perfect race and to eclipse the magic 2:22:00. Career changes (joining the military), lost ambition and chronic injuries ended that journey.
Now I'm 43 years old. I recently had surgery for an ailment that kept me sidelined for a decade. I'm slowly jumping back into regular training and I think I have a shot a becoming a decent masters runner. But is it worth it? What's my goal now? The Trials are out of the question. 2:22:00 was a long shot for me in my prime, 2:18:00 definitely won't happen now! Win my age group at local races? I live in a pretty small pond so that might be possible. But will that be enough? Perhaps 2:37:00 is the goal. Then run Boston and NYC since they are in my backyard; not just to finish, but really race it and see how well I can do.
On days like today the cost seems greater than the reward. I know it's just a "bad run." Everybody has them. It's just been a long time since I've experienced a really really bad day. I'll eat well today, take a nap and quit feeling sorry for myself. It's just hard to stay motivated on days like today when the goals don't seem as spectacular as they once were.
Lost Nation Road and Indian Brook Road. 13.31 miles. 7:55/mile. 142 BPM.
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