As
Jake and I both near the “heavy load” weeks of marathon training, we occasionally trade stories of training trials and tribulations. Once in awhile there’s a triumph, but sometimes the good stories are as simple as “I made it 12 miles before my knee totally locked up” or “I logged a 50-mile week and only had to ice my foot twice a day!” While I can’t figure out how to make our fitness devices solve some of our woes, I at least use the comments section in
Garmin Connect to note how I’m feeling during or after a particular workout. And since history bears repeating, going back and reviewing such notes helps me avoid some pitfalls like overtraining injuries.
My nemesis of late has been the weather. Late last summer, when I was training for a fall marathon and doing 4 a.m. “beat the heat” runs, I had a realization that sent chills up my spine: if I do qualify for Boston, training is going to be … let’s just say somewhere between mind-numbing and insane. And that was before I knew we were in for one of the snowiest, coldest, stinkiest winters on record. I will say such challenges have made me resourceful and maybe even a little more efficient. When my midweek run calls for 12 miles on a Tuesday, I shift into high-gear once I leave work. By the time I’ve picked up kids, delivered them home and changed clothes, I’m way past “warm up” stage and I’m motivated to get out the door and on with the workout.
Earlier this week, Jake told me he needed to log 18 miles on the treadmill. I thought to myself “I’d rather lick
the mud from my trail shoes than do 18 on the treadmill.” But I didn’t tell Jake, because I thought he might hold me to one or the other. I didn’t doubt Jake had the fortitude to pull this off — he’s been known to hammer out 21 miles on that lonely race to nowhere. And this time he had a MacGyver-esque solution plan that called for 1 laptop, a couple of speakers, a trashcan and an inspiring movie. His get-up even provided entertainment for folks working out nearby in our TV-free fitness room. Got a boredom-buster or other fix that’s helped you survive setbacks or other insanities of training? We want to hear your comments.
