"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. Just focus and keep aiming...."
This year, I'm aiming for progress not perfection. Run by feel and not pressure myself by numbers on a watch. I think it's taken a couple months to feel "normal" again after my God awful marathon in November, but for the first time since then, I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me this year as far as running is concerned. I'm not going to pressure myself with those two, bold letters...BQ.
I believe it will happen when the time is right. I know I have it in me, but I think last year I just put way too much pressure on myself to achieve it. Running has always been something I looked forward to and enjoyed. Training as hard as I did last summer and obsessing over numbers on a training plan really kind of made me dread the thought of it. This time, I'm running by feel. I'll write my own training plan, but the only things that will be in concrete are my long runs and ONE speed word session a week. Every other run will be whatever my legs feel like doing that day. Whether they want to run a 9 min mile or a 7 min mile. I'm going to log my runs and thoughts into my Believe Journal every day and really just get in touch with myself instead of ignoring how I feel. I'm not treating myself like a robot anymore.
I'm already starting to look for races to do this year. I definitely want to run another marathon and 50K ultra. I'm hoping to do Chicago again and get in the lottery that will hopefully open up in February or March. I want to get out and explore new running routes and places. Maybe run with other people more often. Spring can not come quick enough for me!
I'm totally excited to be a part of the 2015 Nuun Ambassador Team. I'm a nutrition and hydration geek and anything that is going to enhance my running and allow me to connect with like-minded people, I'm there! I'm also looking forward to continuing to represent the Oiselle Team, which is a HUGE honor. Being on a team of such inspiring women means the world to me and not mention, the super cute clothes are just an added bonus :) I can't wait for my next race so I can sport that singlet again.
I'd like to extend a shout-out to my mother, who just joined the blogging community. Along with my 2015 goals that I mentioned here, I'm going to also try to establish a closer relationship with God(another reason I love running, because that's when I feel closest to Him)
If you're interested in a more spiritual blog, check out hers and send her some love ---- http://kathyayers.wordpress.com/
Here's to 2015 and some amazing miles ahead. Thanks to everyone that takes the time to read my blog or follow me on Instagram. Looking forward to following everyone's journey!
Jenn, I'm so glad to hear you say that you are going to try to take some of the pressure off of yourself in your training/running this year; you worked SO HARD during 2014 and I know that can get to be a drag sometimes. I'll be thinking of you out there, having fun, with a big smile as you tear up the roads (well, when the sky is not dumping snow and ice - ha!). You never know...sometimes the best things happen when you're not expecting them. Head up, wings out, friend! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Flockmate! :) I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for you too!
DeleteThat training journal is the best, isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have been training on feel and not a watch and can honestly say I'm a lot happier for it.
Glad to see you've gotten past the mental block of the marathon! You're going to train hard and do great! Boston will be lucky to have you!
You are seriously so sweet! Thanks girl!
DeleteYou are an inspiration, Jen! Head up wings out!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Laura!
DeleteI think that it's great that you are going to do one long run and one speed work. That is enough. And I can't stress the importance of easy running. Just because your body will let you run faster for 50 mpw, doesn't mean you should. Either you will get injured, or you will get to raceday completely burnt out. I think, in part, that may have been what happened to you. The easy days are really important. And even the speed days - always going faster than prescribed by the plan is eventually going to bite you in the butt.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, stay warm! It's these months when I remember why I never moved back east and maintain my So Cal transplant status ;-)
Thank you! I definitely agree!
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