So I am toying with the idea of going after a 50 mile ultra marathon next summer. Just toying at this point. I am weighing how much time it will take and the energy I will have to put into it vs. everything else that is pulling on my demands. I think the underlying problem here is I am an endurance junkie. And let's be honest, is this *really* a problem? I don't think so. But it is a very time consuming hobby. Why is it that I have to be attracted to the hobby that requires so much of my damn time? I don't know. But it is what it is.
So my attention is drawn to the idea of an ultra. I think this started last year when I was really reading and getting into "Eat and Run" and "Born to Run". Two books that really highlight and bring attention to the ultramarathon world. They also helped me re-do some of my running technique which I didn't realize would pay off as much as it did until my Ironman. I remember after my marathon I was really tight and sore in the hip flexors. This was also a feeling that plagued me during training runs. After concentrating on how I ran (forefoot-mood foot-heel strike) and just overall mentality with running, I noticed a huge improvement in my gait and how I felt afterwards with just some simple changes. So I was beginning to think about these longer running races last year while preparing for my first marathon.
But after a year and some change of preparing for Ironman which really does start 6 months out and the training is very time consuming, I am re-thinking this. Mostly I am just unsure if I want to devote so much time to it. Part of me wants a mental break from that type of focus and time dedication. I also know myself well enough to know I will need to have something to focus on when it comes to races/events. I don't know if this will be fulfilled with simply doing olympic distance races or maybe a half ironman in there. I am thinking about entering the bay swim again and maybe some other open water swimming events.
So my mind is turning...
Friday, October 10, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Getting back to normal..
It is still very bizarre that this all happened. I mean, three weeks ago I was preparing for a huge event. It has been a strange adjustment and I think I am still getting used to everything that has changed in the last three weeks. I went from spending every day working out and training for at least two hours to a complete shift. To say that Ironman feels like it was all just a dream would be putting it mildly.
I think the hardest part has been trying to figure out what "normal life" is now. My mind and perspective is still pretty skewed and I find myself feeling guilty that I didn't work out. I still think about what I should be doing..even though I don't *have* to be doing anything. I have been trying to give myself plenty of time to rest. Over the last two weeks right after the race, I did not really do much physical activity. I swam a few time and have gone on maybe two runs. Swimming feels pretty good, but I could tell that I was tired with the run. So I have been backing off and trying to make sure I really give my body the rest time. This week I am hoping to get back to some sort of near daily routine. I have never been one to not be active or doing something.
Which also brings to another big change which is strange: new fitness goals. I am not sure where to put my focus. I am still changing my thoughts away from having to do so much endurance. I find myself getting caught up in the thoughts of "If I don't do at least an hour or two-then its not worth it". Which isn't true. I have been doing so much volume that the shift to doing less is tough. But I am trying to re-focus and determine what my new fitness goals are going to be this winter. I know I really want to work on my strength training and getting more toned/fit in that way. I also want to work on my swimming since that is something that I very much enjoy.
So we will see. All in all, I am trying to find a new normal and a new balance. And it's tough. Because despite how much I griped and complained at time about the volume...I also miss pushing myself so much. I guess sometimes it is hard to just be still and be satisfied.
Something to strive for.
I think the hardest part has been trying to figure out what "normal life" is now. My mind and perspective is still pretty skewed and I find myself feeling guilty that I didn't work out. I still think about what I should be doing..even though I don't *have* to be doing anything. I have been trying to give myself plenty of time to rest. Over the last two weeks right after the race, I did not really do much physical activity. I swam a few time and have gone on maybe two runs. Swimming feels pretty good, but I could tell that I was tired with the run. So I have been backing off and trying to make sure I really give my body the rest time. This week I am hoping to get back to some sort of near daily routine. I have never been one to not be active or doing something.
Which also brings to another big change which is strange: new fitness goals. I am not sure where to put my focus. I am still changing my thoughts away from having to do so much endurance. I find myself getting caught up in the thoughts of "If I don't do at least an hour or two-then its not worth it". Which isn't true. I have been doing so much volume that the shift to doing less is tough. But I am trying to re-focus and determine what my new fitness goals are going to be this winter. I know I really want to work on my strength training and getting more toned/fit in that way. I also want to work on my swimming since that is something that I very much enjoy.
So we will see. All in all, I am trying to find a new normal and a new balance. And it's tough. Because despite how much I griped and complained at time about the volume...I also miss pushing myself so much. I guess sometimes it is hard to just be still and be satisfied.
Something to strive for.
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