Monday, January 10, 2011

The Patience of Getting Back into Shape

In a word? Excruciating. Believe me, if you want to learn about patience, go 21 weeks without training. I’ve got to tell you, it’s tough to go out and *not* compare where I am now with where I was then. Here are a couple prime examples:

  1. I’m just getting to the point where I can actually *jog* a mile without having to take a walk break to catch my breath. Before the first mile.
  2. All of my splits involve four digits and no zeros in the middle
  3. My t-shirts are still tight

Alrighty then. As if you need to be reminded – Do as I Say! Don’t Do as I Do!

On tap this week:

  • Monday: 3 miles easy
  • Tuesday: 3 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 3 hill repeats, 1 mile warm up, 1 mile warm down for 3.5 total
  • Thursday: 3 miles easy
  • Friday: Scheduled rest day
  • Saturday: 7 miles
  • Sunday: 30 minute tempo
  • Total: Somewhere around 22 or so

Keep ‘em moving folks!

15 comments:

  1. Hang in there! You're doing great!

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  2. At least you know what you are capable of. Right? Right?

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  3. I have a cold/flu now since mid last week. I have not run in a week. I missed one race this past weekend and might have to miss another this weekend. I just can't wait for that first run in two weeks feeling ;)! So, I can't image 21 weeks off Glenn. Keep up the gradual effort. I have a feeling in the next few days it will start kicking back in.

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  4. LOL.... Get bigger T-shirts.... You'll see progress my friend.

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  5. You can do it! No, don't get bigger T-shirts!!

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  6. I've really related to your recent posts. I also ran LA this year (my first) and then lost a lot of my motivation to train. I did get some ok training in the in the fall but I am still heavier and slower than I was when I started running. I know what you are going through feeling like you are almost starting from scratch. It's not easy.

    I also started running to get into shape for a Whitney hike several years ago. Your posts have inspired me and I am planning to put my name in the lottery again for a one day hike this summer. I am really excited about it.

    Good job in setting realistic goals and getting back out there. I'll be reading along to follow your progress, and to hear about your Whitney adventure.

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  7. Back to basics. It's good to just start over rather than expecting to dive right into a 10 miler.

    Got some very nice green beans at Bristol Farms, and what I'd never seen before, carrots in a lighter orange and a dark purple. Cool. #Eatyourveg

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  8. The fitness will come back faster than the first time you started training...because you've been there, but I totally get the frustrating part.

    Hang Tough Glenn!

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  9. I had to come back to running after a break during the summer because of my knee. I am quite familiar with the patience involved in trying to regain lost fitness. That being said, the key is to keep at it. Don't give up, but also don't push it too much. It sounds to me that you are right where you need to be.

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  10. I can totally relate, of course. But doesn't that make it so much more rewarding if we have to claw our way back up to the top??? I so look forward to your journey!

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  11. AWESOME low mileage, I'm in your club! The Recovery Club! Our motto?
    PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE! and KEEP IT SIMPLE< STUPID!
    It's actually kind of nice to slow down and be in touch with how strengthening and improvement really feels. I know I needed this but it's not easy!
    Keep up the great job and keep it simple!

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  12. Sounds tough. Hang in there!! It will get easier!! congrats on the 22 miles!!

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  13. It is very tough, but at least you aren't attempting to do it in August. In South Carolina... :) you can do it!

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  14. Think of it this way: You won't plateau this time; you will see results. And steady gains stick much more often than swift ones.

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  15. Well your mileage looks awesome! I am still at 3/2/3/4 this week - paying for my sins.

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