Guess Who’s Back?…

Who finished the song lyric in their heads? (Ralph??) Lol!!

Anyway, I’m back as in back to the blog-o-sphere and back to running, but let me tell you, I am not back as in “running shape”.

Back to writing— In this point of my running life, I’m in a vulnerable state. I’m the heaviest weight wise I’ve ever been not pregnant and the most out of shape I’ve ever been since I’ve started running.

So of course I want to write and share all of that with you. 😀

Back to running— The itch to get back into the running game is strong, the goal running game, that is. The I-Feel-Like-I-Want-To-Die-While-Training running.

On a serious note though, I’ve always loved reading about real people and their journeys. It’s what motivated me to start running in the first place–I NEVER thought I would qualify and run Boston Marathon. But I’ve seen what I can do when I put mind to it, test my limits, and become comfortable with uncomfortable.

I think I’m ready to do that again. And I want to share that journey with you–that even if you think you’re starting at a really tough spot (and maybe you really are, because I certainly am), it’s okay. It’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to be scared–of failing, of quitting, of whatever. I’ve learned that through sticking with the training, just seeing what would happened if I showed some discipline, man…amazing things can happen.

LET’S DO THIS.

xoxo,

helly

–Do you sometimes feel defeated before you even start training? How do you get out of your head?

–Do you keep goals attainable? Just hard enough but still realistic? Or do you go big or go home?

Slowly But Surely

Literally.

I’m trying to get back to my “normal” self, but that has been taking some time and has also meant me accepting my slower-than-I’d-like paces. I’ve gotten to be more okay with that, especially now that I’ve let go of that November half.

There’s been some runs where I’ve felt, “YES!!! My body remembers what to do!!” and then only to have a run where it’s been, “Why do I feel like I’m running through a mud pit? Is this a Spartan Race? Where am I?”

On the canal, Helly. You’re on the canal.

BUT, I did have a muddy experience during one of my runs a couple of weeks ago that didn’t surprise me given how I’ve felt whilst running.

#lulufail

This was during a group run for my local Lululemon store. Yes, I was wearing BRAND NEW LULU when this happened 😥

I had an 8 mile run this past weekend that I so badly wanted to do with girlfriends, one of which was moving away that day. But in my hearts of hearts, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep up. I knew that if I tried, I would have yet another miserable feeling run.

So I let them go.

And I ran by myself.

On the treadmill.

It wasn’t a completely horrible run. I managed to do my two fast miles (7:30, 7:25), but holy hell were they hard to do on that machine. The rest of my miles were at a much more comfortable 9:15 pace.

Anyway, so that’s where I’m at. Slowly, but surely making my way…

–Does it take you awhile to return to your “normal” self after a tough training cycle?

–Have you fell in mud while running? Only me?

 

I’m Just Not That Into It

Pulling a Run Eat Ralph with my post title, lol (guess where it’s from!)

Anyway, it was short lived, but just like that, half marathon training is over.

SAY WHAT?!

In all honestly, I couldn’t get into it. I’d mentioned before how I’ve struggled acclimating to this heat (and I actually like hot!) and along with my extended Phoenix break (i.e. I’m out of shape), it’s required extra motivation on my part to get my workouts in.

And I just haven’t been able to muster any.

Where am I going from here?

Originally, I was training for a half marathon race I had never done before–3TV Phoenix in November. But I’ve decided to stick with my tried and true Scottsdale Half Marathon in December. I’m hoping familiarity, cooler weather, and more time to build a base will help make my mojo come back.

I’m not bummed, I’m not disappointed. I’m actually very happy with my decision. I don’t regret taking it easy after Phoenix at all. I knew I needed a break.

And now I know I need more time to get back into a rhythm:)

–Does it take a while for you to find your mojo after a big race?

–Do you take breaks after goal races or continue training?