I hope you don’t mind if I squeeze two runs into one blog, but I can assure that neither were interesting enough to merit their own column. It’s not that they were terrible outings, it’s just that nothing noteworthy happened. That’s the trouble with finding a comfort zone; runs become routine, and the highs and lows of exercise are replaced with habit and complacency. If I didn’t have a carrot to chase (it's not a particularly tasty carrot, but a carrot nonetheless) I would probably quit, and I suspect that many people are similarly derailed in their personal training programs. It’s much easier to stop working out when you’re not working towards anything.
I planned on taking either Monday or Tuesday off, but I ran both nights because I wanted to get the lead out of my legs after Sunday’s 30K. I wasn’t particularly motivated, but I hate limping around awkwardly all day and decided the best defense was a good offense. I’m sure some doctor would tell I’m wrong, but I’m listening to my body, and my body is telling me to stay active.
Trying to remain sharp when you’re feeling lazy is a daunting task. I am a terrible procrastinator, so it’s easy to find things to do when I don’t want to run. Usually it starts out with something constructive, like doing the dishes. Then, I check the messages on the phone. The phone is next to the computer, so then I check my email. From there, it’s a slippery slope to the television, which is one step away from a nap. If sleep takes over, and it has on occasion, it’s game over.
Both nights I made it to the television stage before heading out for a short jog around my neighbourhood. Monday was a solo run that left my legs even more rubbery than when I started (the drive home from Saint John didn’t do much for my sore legs). Tuesday wasn’t much better, but Jamie came along for the ride and distracted me from my personal misery. If all goes well, we’ll also hook up for a track workout later this week.
Hopefully a few relaxing evenings will brighten my mood. I have no major after work plans for the rest of the week, and I won’t be wearing myself out again until October 22, when I’ll attempt a 37-kilometer run. Hopefully the lazy horse doesn't kick me off the training wagon before then.
