Well it's been over a week since my last post - been in kinda of a funk lately. My training and nutrition is still on par for December's race, it's more of a mental/emotional standstill that I seem to be at right now.
My sister-in-law's mother passed away over the weekend after a long hard battle with cancer. I knew this beautiful woman and had the pleasure of spending time in her company. Although I am more than thankful that this did not hit closer to home (I could not be nearly as strong as my SIL has been if it were my own mom - but then again, my SIL is pretty amazing in general), it has seriously stopped me in my tracks. I can't help but to think of how susceptible our bodies are to pain and disease, and just how very fragile life is.
As a result it has caused me to take a painful look at how I have been treating my own body. How neglectful I've been at some of the very basics. From a strength and cardiovascular perspective, I know I am very fit - I can swim, bike and run long distances without much pain or extraneous effort. I know that for the most part I put only good foods in my body (with the exception of Friday fun nights = pizza, and my weekend beer/wine) and am well aware of how my nutrition plays the largest role in overall health.
What I have been avoiding however, are the basic, routine visits with the doctor. Those check ups that provide you with an overall exam and blood work. Those seemingly little details that really do affect your quality of life. Don't get me wrong, I am great about seeking PT when a training injury arises, or even going in to get a script for a sinus infection - what I am just horrible at are those routine visits that are designed to keep you healthy!! Maybe it's just me, but I think there can be a false sense of security when you are an athlete....like training and racing somehow equals healthy?? What makes matters worse is that I've been on my boyfriend to get into the doc for the very same thing. "You can't treat something if you don't know what it is"...my fav motto. What a hypocrite I am!! For crying out loud, get off your lazy behind and do something about, Rebecca!
Anyway, needless to say I am forcing my procrastinating self to make an appt for the GP next week and will be sure to report back.
Something else that has been weighing on my mind is the desire to do more - wanting to race for a cause perhaps? Yes, I can swim/bike/run....but in service of whom? For the first two years it was definitely myself, to prove that I can. And for my son, to be an influence of health, determination and patience - to show him that it doesn't matter your dream, if you put in the hard work, time and energy, anything really is possible! But I feel like I need something more now - that my racing needs to somehow benefit others. Not sure - I know that there are a few Team in Training groups in my area that I can join, but I don't necessarily know that that's it. Either way I'm going to spend this off season researching on how I can make my racing more beneficial for others.
In the meantime, I've just been chugging away - running 5 days a week (bleecch) and averaging a pretty decent pace. 10:30 for 8 miles last Sunday is a huge win for me! I can run well into the 9's during short distances, but to average below 11 for 8 miles is pretty rock star in my book. :) I've also been able to work through that tight tendon issue on my right foot and it is pretty much gone entirely.....I still have my laces threaded the same way and think I'll probably keep it for now.
New shoes and 9 miles on Sunday - I.am.pumped!
Do you avoid the doctor as much as me?!
Do you race for a cause, something more than your own satisfaction?
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