This is a bit wordy so if you're not in the mood for a long one you can skip it ;), otherwise thanks for reading. I did a ramping hard effort on the stairmaster after work tonight. The adductor/groin thingamajig was a little sore so no run today. It was a really good workout and I was a gross mess afterward. 567 flights.
I read a great article today in the times about Kilian Jornet. It's an excellent read if you have the time. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/magazine/creating-the-all-terrain-human.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
There is a quote in there that I really like. Kilian says, "The important thing is not to catch something. What matters in life is the pursuit and everything we learn along the way. The important thing is to keep moving."
I really needed to hear this. I don't know why it struck me like it did but I felt much better afterward. This whole injury and cross training and stressing and trying to stay in shape has worn on me some, even though I have learned from the experience. But after I read this quote I decided to go back and review some old stuff. I looked at my training from my first marathon at TOU and the lead in into it. At the time I really didn't have the best idea what I was doing but it turned out great, I had fun along the way and it was a special experience. I did the same review with the St. George training. It went better as I had learned some things on the journey, applied some techniques that my body responded well to, met and ran with awesome training partners and people, ran my tail off, and it was also a very fun and special day.
I think I had become a bit caught up in the pending "result" of Boston and stressing on it instead of taking a step back and knowing that everything will be ok. I did that today. The training has been far from perfect, but I have tried to make the best of it. Even though it's been difficult if I look at the whole of the cycle I believe that I am better trained than I was on the first marathon. I may not be in St. George 2012 shape, but it's ok. It's going to be a life experience. After all, it's the Boston marathon :).
I am now very excited about it. No more worries. I'll do what I can the next couple weeks. I agree with Fritz in his belief that late training is not death bed repentance. Especially in regards to a persons mental "edge". If those last couple workouts are what that person needs to get them in the zone, then the workouts are more than beneficial, they are essential. I can't wait to soak up the Boston experience, finish strong, and with a smile. Thanks so very much to those who have been a support, an inspiration, and a safety net.
| 