I don't always do the smart things, but as I reflected on today's error I realized that what may seem like a poor decision in one light, becomes the only obvious choice when looked at from a little different angle.
Or at least that's the way I rationalized my running decision today. It started out as an ugly day, and got worse from there. I knew that there was some risk associated with another long run only 5 days after the previous 30K, but I was motivated by the desire to not ride my bike today, either inside or out! It was my old friend the freakin wind that was the major enemy today. At times it seemed like I was running on the spot, and when combined with 6 degree temperatures it felt more like November, than late April. Considering all that I simply chose to avoid looking at my watch, and started to put one foot in front of the other.
I decided to stay close to home, and despite the nasty weather I was slow but consistent through 3 blocks, or 22.5 kms. As I approached the mailbox this time I was faced with the decision whether to pack it in, or to try for one more lap. I knew what the smart decision was from an overall training perspective, but that was only my right brain talking. On consultation with my more sensitive side (yah, I got one), I was forced to consider how I would be affected emotionally by whatever I chose.
When I imagined myself quitting at 22.5 all I could think about was congratulating myself for a wise choice, but when I considered completing the 30K I thought about getting back home, eating a couple of large meals, and laying around reading in between them!!
Guess what I chose?
The last 7.5 kms was pretty dreadful, punctuated by several walks, and disturbed by even stronger winds. But I'm still glad I made the smart decision. As I look back on it, smart or not, I realize it was the only decision.....sometimes that's just the way it is....
And although I'm definitely a bit tired my choice was supported by my lovely wife, who showed up 30 minutes later with 4 Arbys sandwiches in a bag!!! My technology tells me that I burned 1600 calories, and since the pleasure of eating is one of my motivators, I'm doubly pleased to have finished the whole thing. Woohoo!!
So the emphasis now is on resting, and absorbing the tough workout. It's such a joy to know that I have tomorrow completely off, and as a matter of fact I look forward to being an exuberant cheerleader for several friends and family competing in the Forest City Road races. I'll let you know all about it.
run 30 kms, 2:56
"My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too."---Rodney Dangerfield
...and more seriously, I agree with Erich...
"The most beautiful as well as the most ugly inclinations of man are not part of a fixed biologically given human nature, but result from the social process which creates man."---Erich Fromm
Love
Peter
Or at least that's the way I rationalized my running decision today. It started out as an ugly day, and got worse from there. I knew that there was some risk associated with another long run only 5 days after the previous 30K, but I was motivated by the desire to not ride my bike today, either inside or out! It was my old friend the freakin wind that was the major enemy today. At times it seemed like I was running on the spot, and when combined with 6 degree temperatures it felt more like November, than late April. Considering all that I simply chose to avoid looking at my watch, and started to put one foot in front of the other.
I decided to stay close to home, and despite the nasty weather I was slow but consistent through 3 blocks, or 22.5 kms. As I approached the mailbox this time I was faced with the decision whether to pack it in, or to try for one more lap. I knew what the smart decision was from an overall training perspective, but that was only my right brain talking. On consultation with my more sensitive side (yah, I got one), I was forced to consider how I would be affected emotionally by whatever I chose.
When I imagined myself quitting at 22.5 all I could think about was congratulating myself for a wise choice, but when I considered completing the 30K I thought about getting back home, eating a couple of large meals, and laying around reading in between them!!
Guess what I chose?
The last 7.5 kms was pretty dreadful, punctuated by several walks, and disturbed by even stronger winds. But I'm still glad I made the smart decision. As I look back on it, smart or not, I realize it was the only decision.....sometimes that's just the way it is....
And although I'm definitely a bit tired my choice was supported by my lovely wife, who showed up 30 minutes later with 4 Arbys sandwiches in a bag!!! My technology tells me that I burned 1600 calories, and since the pleasure of eating is one of my motivators, I'm doubly pleased to have finished the whole thing. Woohoo!!
So the emphasis now is on resting, and absorbing the tough workout. It's such a joy to know that I have tomorrow completely off, and as a matter of fact I look forward to being an exuberant cheerleader for several friends and family competing in the Forest City Road races. I'll let you know all about it.
run 30 kms, 2:56
"My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too."---Rodney Dangerfield
...and more seriously, I agree with Erich...
"The most beautiful as well as the most ugly inclinations of man are not part of a fixed biologically given human nature, but result from the social process which creates man."---Erich Fromm
Love
Peter
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