As you have probably gathered, the last couple of weeks have been relatively light where activity levels have been concerned. As I have noted before, this has been due to three consecutive weekends of volunteering at special events, as well as my body telling be that rest is needed. During the last couple of weeks, I did manage to get in a few workouts. When I got them in I did feel good. However, I did continue to feel tired after awhile. The key was to be mindful of the fact that I was still needing rest...
For the last couple of weeks, I kept my runs pretty short. The workouts included a track workout which was part of a Crossfit routine (totalling close to 6K with a little side trip to the long and triple jump pits where I jumped for the fun of it), a short 5K run from the gym which was followed by light weights and of course, some stretching and the miles that I log walking between the train station and the office on a daily basis.
My breakthrough run came on September 2nd. It was three days after my mental run through the Headwaters trail three days earlier. It was also one day after I was really on a mental edge and wanted to snap. I arrived at the gym feeling better than I have ever felt in days. I had all my gear together and I decided that I was going to go out there and get a great run in. And I did run. I felt really relaxed and confident at that moment. I did my north-west route that night. However, I decided that I was going to stop short and turn back on the route verbatim. I knew at that point that I did not need the extra distance. I wanted enough in the reserves so that I can continue to feel rested. The total distance for the run was 12K. I cleaned it up with 1km of walking upon my return to the gym along with some stretching and light core work.
Upon speaking to Lorene about what was happening with me, she cautioned me on the fact that my body was still trying to recover from the harder efforts that came earlier in the month of August. She did mention that I was more than likely overtrained. I was then put at ease over the fact that my reduced mileage was definitely the best thing at the moment.
I have also had some moments that really allowed me to think. My friend, Jess, was hospitalised over the last week and a half. As I was heading home on the train, I realised that she was still in the hospital - longer than I expected. Getting into my car, I made a decision to go and visit. At that point, it was more than a year since I had seen her and her partner, Rhonda (my school friend). After stopping at the drug store for a card and some dark chocolate, I made my way over to the hospital. After getting confused for several minutes, I arrived at the room. Jess was extremely surprised - not to mention grateful - that I came over to visit her. We had a great time chatting. Rhonda arrived with little two year old Julia in tow and was also surprised to see me. We had a great visit with each other and Julia even entertained me with stories about the other little toddlers she plays with. I was really glad I went over there that evening. In fact, I realised that I have to make the effort to keep in touch with those that matter to me more often. This was a lesson I learned that night...
Another moment that really made me think was later on that night. After turning in, I checked my voice message and got a message from my father. My little cousin - Nicole-Marie - had passed away that Tuesday at the age of 24. She leaves behind a newborn baby girl... Her life was so short and her passing was so sudden... I really hope my Auntie, Nicole's grandmother, can remain strong. Nicole's mother, my cousin Renée had passed away almost ten years ago. I know it wasn't easy for my aunt then... I couldn't help but remember the time I first met Nicole and her sister Natasha when they were young girls in Trinidad. I also fondly remembered my last conversation with Nicole - a week before my 100 miler at Sulphur. She was naturally in awe over what I was about to accomplish at the time. She was planning her future and discovering her path. Nicole-Marie's body may have been interred, but her spirit will remain with all of us... RIP Nicole-Marie...
Rest assured... I will be back to my old self with some smart training and rest... For now, I shall taper for the Haliburton Forest Trail Run...
For the last couple of weeks, I kept my runs pretty short. The workouts included a track workout which was part of a Crossfit routine (totalling close to 6K with a little side trip to the long and triple jump pits where I jumped for the fun of it), a short 5K run from the gym which was followed by light weights and of course, some stretching and the miles that I log walking between the train station and the office on a daily basis.
My breakthrough run came on September 2nd. It was three days after my mental run through the Headwaters trail three days earlier. It was also one day after I was really on a mental edge and wanted to snap. I arrived at the gym feeling better than I have ever felt in days. I had all my gear together and I decided that I was going to go out there and get a great run in. And I did run. I felt really relaxed and confident at that moment. I did my north-west route that night. However, I decided that I was going to stop short and turn back on the route verbatim. I knew at that point that I did not need the extra distance. I wanted enough in the reserves so that I can continue to feel rested. The total distance for the run was 12K. I cleaned it up with 1km of walking upon my return to the gym along with some stretching and light core work.
Upon speaking to Lorene about what was happening with me, she cautioned me on the fact that my body was still trying to recover from the harder efforts that came earlier in the month of August. She did mention that I was more than likely overtrained. I was then put at ease over the fact that my reduced mileage was definitely the best thing at the moment.
I have also had some moments that really allowed me to think. My friend, Jess, was hospitalised over the last week and a half. As I was heading home on the train, I realised that she was still in the hospital - longer than I expected. Getting into my car, I made a decision to go and visit. At that point, it was more than a year since I had seen her and her partner, Rhonda (my school friend). After stopping at the drug store for a card and some dark chocolate, I made my way over to the hospital. After getting confused for several minutes, I arrived at the room. Jess was extremely surprised - not to mention grateful - that I came over to visit her. We had a great time chatting. Rhonda arrived with little two year old Julia in tow and was also surprised to see me. We had a great visit with each other and Julia even entertained me with stories about the other little toddlers she plays with. I was really glad I went over there that evening. In fact, I realised that I have to make the effort to keep in touch with those that matter to me more often. This was a lesson I learned that night...
Another moment that really made me think was later on that night. After turning in, I checked my voice message and got a message from my father. My little cousin - Nicole-Marie - had passed away that Tuesday at the age of 24. She leaves behind a newborn baby girl... Her life was so short and her passing was so sudden... I really hope my Auntie, Nicole's grandmother, can remain strong. Nicole's mother, my cousin Renée had passed away almost ten years ago. I know it wasn't easy for my aunt then... I couldn't help but remember the time I first met Nicole and her sister Natasha when they were young girls in Trinidad. I also fondly remembered my last conversation with Nicole - a week before my 100 miler at Sulphur. She was naturally in awe over what I was about to accomplish at the time. She was planning her future and discovering her path. Nicole-Marie's body may have been interred, but her spirit will remain with all of us... RIP Nicole-Marie...
Rest assured... I will be back to my old self with some smart training and rest... For now, I shall taper for the Haliburton Forest Trail Run...
No comments:
Post a Comment