A year ago I was laid up for a full month after a minor surgery with a difficult recovery. When I came back I was determined to improve my running. At the time every run was physically painful and mentally miserable. I went out for that first run post surgery and did around 2 miles at a 13:45 mile and I was beat at the end. I decided to start running more and back off the other tri disciplines so that I could improve the run and maybe like it one day. In September I found a running group to join which helped inspire me. Just a week later my 23 year old cousin passed away suddenly and we donated her organs and tissue saving or changing 18 lives. This group became support and solace as I grieved this loss. Eventually I joined their paid training group in March of this year and have had a fantastic plan from incredible coaches including 2 group workouts a week and a a free group run on Saturday.
While this plan probably has a bit more speed/hill work than some here would prescribe at my mileage level (just on the cusp of 20 miles per week and still building) I've been very careful to listen to my body and have rested and/or treated as needed. Plans have adjusted as needed and I've seen progress in my speed and strength and my long run has increased to 9 miles last week with a planned half marathon in October.
Anyhow, this week was a rough one. I was in a car accident on Thursday (partially my fault) and while I have some soreness I'm okay. The car is not. I missed the group workout dealing with everything.
Today was the Donor Dash for which I organized a team to run in honor of my cousin. I had my coach, 2 running group members and another friend join me to run and 2 more running group members down to cheer. I went in going for a PR and had a butterfly that had been in the flowers at my cousin's funeral in my shorts pocket. I went out too fast, it was hot and I was emotional but was able to hold on in the end for a 1 minute PR. I'm not fast, that PR now sits at 32:43 but I'm supremely proud of the work I've put in to get here. And I'm excited to see where I go from here. Somewhere in the last year I've fallen in love with running.
Hard work. Dedication. Consistency. Passion. Time. Take control of your training and the improvement comes.
Coal Creek Crossing 10 Miler, here I come!
