This weekend, I finally had the chance to take my running back to racing. After a sprained ankle kept me out of commission for over a month, I wasn’t sure how this race would play out. I arrived at Central Park on Sunday morning for the NYRR’s Achilles Hope & Possibility race. Once there, I realized very quickly that it was not the race or place for my selfish concerns.
The race was sponsored by Achilles International. Achilles provides a fantastic community for both able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners to join forces and train in an atmosphere of support and unity. Within this special community, runners gain physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life.
On this gorgeous morning in NYC, physical differences were irrelevant. We all ran together as one.
I started out at a good pace (post ankle injury) but by mile 3 I was annoyed at the times appearing on my Garmin watch. I was slacking physically and couldn’t believe a silly little 5 miler would feel like a never ending half marathon.
Just when I was having a full-fledged pity party, I passed a fellow athlete which brought the party to an abrupt end. I passed a child with not one but two prosthetic legs running hand in hand with an adult in a wheelchair along with other Achilles volunteers.
L.A. - You have nothing to complain about right now so lock it up. Enough said. I was done.
This race was incredibly humbling and inspiring. It was an honor to spend a Sunday cruising around Central Park with this extraordinary group of athletes.
On Monday, I officially kicked off Operation: Train for a Marathon. I dragged myself out of bed at 6am for a nasty 5 miles. It was HOT. It was HUMID. There was RAIN. Did I mention that the skies decided to open up when I was 2 ½ miles away from my apartment? Luckily, the iPhone and I both survived. Thanks for asking.
Again, I was pretty tough on myself for those 5 miles. My lungs were not keeping up and my legs were tired most likely from the race the day before. I was not a happy camper and don’t care to repeat the mental dialogue going on in my head. You don’t talk to yourself when you run? That’s a shame.
Instead of dwelling on it, I remembered my Sunday race and was thankful. I also decided to pat myself on the back for getting out of bed on a dreary Monday morning, lacing up the sneakers, and hitting the pavement as the sun came up.
Speaking of training plans, here’s what my week looks like. I’m very lucky to have an expertly crafted training plan courtesy of Team for Kids.
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
Sunday
(flex)
|
Total
|
Total (w/flex)
| |
TFK Plan
|
5
|
REST
|
6
|
4
|
REST
|
8
|
4
|
23
|
27
|
LAH Plan
|
5
|
Strength
|
6
|
REST
|
8
|
REST
|
6
NYRR Queens 10K
|
25
|
27
|
I had to move around my miles this weekend because I have big plans. I’m heading out of town for a Bridal Shower in honor of one of my very best friends! I can’t wait for a Saturday with some running relief and quality time with my best girlfriends.
Did I mention that I am running the NYC Marathon with Team for Kids on November 4th? No? Well, here check it out!
Lots of love and laughs.
XOXO
L.A.
No comments:
Post a Comment