Here’s something new…having a panic attack while
running. I was running in Florida
and got through 2 miles and had to stop then cried. I’m sure my husband thought I was crazy. I caught my breath and did my last mile
well. It happened one more time
like a week later. Then we ran a one-mile
race on New Year’s Day and I had a panic attack when it was over. I’ve been trying to get to the root of
it. I have a couple of ideas and
I’m working through them.
New (awesome) Nike+
Watch
My husband got me a Nike+ watch for my birthday. Although I know it is accurate, it
making my mile time longer. I used
Map My Run for along time. The
Nike+ culminates your times. I just
feel so slow. Also its gives a
little map of your course. The
greener it is, the faster you are going.
Mine is always yellowish-red.
I am going fast for me!! Give me some credit, Nike! I can do a 10.30-mile but lately it’s been more like 11
according to the watch. I’m trying
to not look and I do want to wear it.
Frustrated.
Watching sites with
Runners that are fast and maybe a little bit crazy
I’ve joined two local running clubs and I have mostly been
watching them through Facebook. The race on New Year’s Day was sponsored by one of
them. A mile - no problem - but these people are serious!! I had a PR of 9:02.
Ha! The fastest person
finished in 4.40 – What??? I was
55th out of 72. The
last person that came in was an 82 year-old women who ran a 11.46. These people are robots. I should of felt so proud put was overwhelmed and had a
slight panic attack. Not fun! My sister-in-law did point out that if
you are running on New Year’s Day, you’re probably serious about running. Fair enough.
I watched these people, who seem super nice, planning 8 mile
runs, runs in the snow and night time runs. I just know that my husband and I can’t run with them (yet).
I feel like we would slow them
down. We signed up for a 5k with
one of the clubs in February. I
have started to dread it because I fear that we might be like 5 minutes after
everyone else.
Running with my
husband
I love, love, love that my husband and I running
together. It sometimes stresses me
out. He’ll be like are you ready
to go?? Not yet. Running is something I like to have
control of and when someone else is involved, the control is compromised. I know marriage is compromise but I kind
of have to do running my way.
The 10-mile nightmare
My husband and I signed up for a 10-mile race in DC the
first week of April. It’s the
Cherry Blossom 10-miler. It’s kind
of a big deal. There was a lottery
for entries. There is a strict
2:20 hour time limit. It’s like a
14 minute-mile. That doesn’t seem
like a big deal but I fear the 10 miles.
The most I’ve ever run outside is like 5.2 miles and on the treadmill 6
miles. I continue to train and increase my distance. My husband says what happens if we can’t do it in that
time. I told him a bus picks you
up. He said, who cares – we’ll get
on the bus. I started having
dreams/nightmares about racing.
This is not okay. Runs are
supposed to be fun!
So, it seems obvious, stop looking at the watch, don’t run
with intense runners, run with my husband when I want to and not sure about the
10-mile thing. It IS getting better. My husband is supportive and I know others runners would show
support. The Women’s Running
Community( WRC) on Facebook is amazing!! I know folks would say, great job, you are out there doing it. I know I’m just competing with myself
at this point. Any tips would be
greatly appreciated!
1. Don't run with your watch or run with it knowing it is a little off.
ReplyDelete2. Don't be intimidated by the faster runners. They most likely have been running longer than you and their weekly miles are probably around the 70+ range. Runners are pretty supportive of each other, regardless of speed. No one is judging you. You're right, you should have felt proud of yourself. Nice PR.
3. I prefer running alone most days. I like to go when I'm ready. It can get too complicated to coordinate times with others, especially my husband. He's like a turtle when it comes to leaving the house. He has to check the computer, let the dog out, empty the dishwasher, check the forecast for 100th time, etc. By then, I don't even want to go anymore. Just do your own run. You're right. It should be fun, not stressful.
4. Congrats on getting into the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler! That's a big race! Build up your mileage slowly. You have plenty of time to get to 10 or 11 on your long runs. You'll be fine.
Thanks for your advise. I appreciate and will keep plugging along!!
DeleteI'm certainly no runner but I do read a lot about positive thinking and creating personal momentum.
ReplyDeletePerhaps as you are running you can list all those things in life you are grateful for. Health, family, home, job, etc. It's been proven that gratitude produces good chemicals in your brain.
Also, your probably not suppose to run with headphones but great music works for me. Inspires, distracts, motivates, etc.
Hi Kris!!
DeleteI keep trying to think positive. I was just telling your cousin (my husband) that I want to think good things but all I can think about is the run. One more mile. 3 more laps, whatever. Trying to get better. And YES and YES to music. It helps for sure. I do have a lot to be grateful for - I'm going to try that on my next run. Thanks!