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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Run #87...the fine line between compulsiveness & discipline

I was just tired today. I didn't want to get out of bed and considered skipping my run. But am I the only person who lives in fear of skipping a run? I know that's probably not entirely healthy. I know that skipping ONE run won't affect my fitness level.

But I'm afraid that if I skip, it'll be easier to skip the next time...and the next...and the next. I don't want to mess with the discipline I have because I know from experience how quickly I can lose that discipline!

Anyway, I cut the run short at just under 20 minutes, and I think that was a good compromise for a day when my body was telling me it needed some rest. The run was fine; I just wasn't enjoying it and never felt like I got warmed up to the point that it was easy. I need to get good sleep the next couple of nights so that Thursday's run is better!

1.76 miles, 19:50 (11:15/mile)

3 comments:

Eternal Lizdom said...

Do you cross train? On the days you don't run, do you get other exercise that focuses on the non-running muscles groups?

I don't think it's unhealthy nor do I think it's an obsession. I think you know yourself, and you know your body. It's not like you decided that you needed to punish yourself for wanting to skip the run. If you had gone out and forced yourself to run 10 miels at high speed to "show" yourself that you needed to run today- that, I think, would be an indicator of an issue.

But not wanting to skip a run when you are already feeling ugh-y is, i think, very smart!

Decker said...

Beth - great point here! This is something I think about a lot. I do have those fears about skipping, and I (somewhat) jokingly say to Jason "what if I spiral out of control and never run again?" He just laughs and calls me his little robot.

One thing I have noticed is that when I do indulge the snooze button or (gasp!) take 2 days off in a row, I always feel awesome when I return to the next run. Our bodies will fight for what they want.

Glad to hear you are enjoying (and learning from) running!!

Unknown said...

Hi Beth! Thanks so much for mentioning our Get Fit Pod workouts. I'm glad they are a help and motivation for your running program. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished. Keep it up. I love reading both of your blogs. Let me know if there is ever anything I can do to help.-Skip Orem