Yesterday was hot. And as much as I like sweating – I easily psyche myself out when it comes to being able to breath in the heat while my face feels like it’s going to either blow up or melt off. Needless to say, I already don’t like running in the summer and the season hasn’t even hit hard yet.
Griffin, Bear and I went for a run last night around 9 o’clock. Instead of heading to the Carillon we chose Monument instead – 3 miles. I don’t know what it is about my body and this sport, but if it’s not one thing it’s another. I used to complain about how bad my shins hurt when I ran; how my lower legs literally felt like they could snap in half.
Now – for the second run in a row – I’ve had some serious arch pain issues. It first started in my left foot and now it’s also moved into my right.
I don’t know if it’s because I slacked off a bit for the last month, but getting back into a routine and feeling good about it isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Griffin was a great sport and tried pumping me up with positive thinking, feedback and some distractions to keep my mind off of the pain, but I let my negative thoughts about the heat and my feet get to me. And let me just say, thinking those thoughts out loud, was not the best idea for my running company. Sorry boys…
I used to be a barrier against the negative. In work, in life, in relationships – negativity and those people who thrive on it are always there. They’re more powerful than you think; but I used to repel against it.
After our run, Griffin and I sat and talked a while about how some of the negativity that I brought home from work could be hindering my dedication to running the Rock N’ Roll Half.
“It’s mind over body, Steph,” he said. “Your body can do much more than you think. People have pushed through worse.”
And he’s right – arch pain is not the end of the world. So instead of complaining about it, I’m going to do something about it and then KEEP WORKING TOWARDS MY GOAL. I looked up some of the symptoms and it looks like I either have a case of fallen arches or plantar fasciitis. Either way, both can be helped by arch strapping and insoles. I’ll be using both in the near future.
On a side note: Griffin and I’s conversation led into a more personal, reflective look at our relationship and those relationshps we have with other people. We both realize how lucky we are to have each other and those other people in our lives who support us individually and collectively. So thanks to everyone I call a friend and/or a loved one. I’m very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.
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UPDATE: “Better Running through Walking” – Great article for half marathon/marathon motivation and reassurance, at least for me. Can be found here .
Thoughts? Post them below!
Once you overcome the mind games, running becomes fun. After one race and then a break, it can be difficult to resume training. But I know you’ll be fine, especially as long as I stay on you!