I know that one of the benefits of the MM group is making friends and having someone to train with in a "cross motivational" environment. I am finding, though, that I train better alone.
I either get stressed out trying to keep up, or I hold back and don't do as well as I possibly could when I am with someone else. I feel very guilty if I feel like I have kept somene else from "running their race" if they run with me as I am slow and don't have much running stamina yet. On the other hand, I might slow down if I'm with someone perceived to be slower than me (not too many of those folks out there!) and I don't run as much.
It seems when I am alone I can "do my thing" -- run when I feel like it, walk when I feel like it, set the pace I am comfortable with. I just can't help but feel that I am imposing on someone else when I try to partner up.
I am the same way when I bike with my husband. He's so much faster than me, I really feel guilty when he stays with me as I know he doesn't get the workout he'd get if I weren't along. In some ways it's good as I try to "go faster" but generally, it just stresses me out.
Now, socially, it's is an entirely different proposition. I love to interact with people and look forward to all the social opportunities and getting to know new people. The night at Macaroni Grill was great, and I enjoyed the opportunity to know Micah, Sheila, Stephanie, Matt, Clark, Jana, Robin and Mark a little better. I hope we do that more often. I am still planning on a get-together at my house -- probably in early August. Post marathon, I always throw a Halloween party and the whole group will be invited.
So all of this said, I still want to meet Kelvin at the track on Tues and Thursday. I just want him to feel like he can run the way he wants and leave me behind. I still look forward to seeing folks on Saturday and perhaps partnering up for some of the mileage. I just hope folks will understand, though, if I lag behind or get ahead and will recognize I just need to "do my thing."
Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal. (Robert Collier)
Charlie, Me and RIta
Living the good life in Colorado
Favorite Quotes
“I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me.” -- Charles R. Swindoll ==============================
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and sub-2:12 marathoner
About Me
- catseye
- Married for 33 years to Charlie. Mother of Bryan (31) and Mark (29) who live in Denver. :( Grandmother of Isaac (11 months) who also lives in Denver :(
9 comments:
You know, I have felt bad before about leaving someone behind and I know others have felt bad about leaving me. We have to run our own races. Just this week, I've been thinking about finding the pace I'm comfortable with, one I can stick with thru the rest of the training and marathon day. It's hard to do that sometimes when you are keeping up with someone else. I feel the same way you do. it's ok to do it alone if that works for you. I like being alone with my thoughts every now and then, you know? very therapeutic.
on other notes, Halloween parties are fun! We have a get together at my sister's every year. I usually end up wearing a costume and taking the kids trick or treating.
i feel your pain. i am usually the one feeling guilty about holding people back. and i think they are feeling sorry for me, having to walk by myself. when in fact, i actually do better at "running my own race" when i go it alone. so don't feel bad about it. just do what you have to do. you have come so very far, and have to do your own pace, not stress over someone elses race.
As my ankles are feeling stiffer this week, I may be going it ALONE this Saturday, as I think my pace will be erratic. I too so enjoy interacting with folks on the Saturday trail, but we just have to do what works for us, as the saying goes "Run your own race." When I was feeling less ankle-y, the jog was easier. Now that the distance is bothering my ankles, well, no telling what my eleven miles will end up being this Saturday. I really enjoy hanging out afterwards, catching my breath, and catching up with folks. See you then.
Yes, I kinda go both ways...during the week I like being alone and doing my own thing but I seem to NEED someone to help me get through those long distances. By the way, we need to get together with our bikes sometime because my husband and I have road bikes and we have the same problem...he is faster and can't get as good a workout holding back with me. He could ride ahead with your hubby and you and I could ride together. We usually ride on Highland Colony but would be happy to haul the bikes to Clinton sometime and ride with you guys. Maybe on a Sunday afternoon after the next 2 weekends since we will be out of town. I will eventually show up at Ridgeland High School to train with you and Kelvin.
Yeah, I like being alone with my thoughts, too when I run. But, I'm learning that having a running buddy's not so bad either :).
Cathy, thanks for the book recommendation...I will look for it tomorrow because I need all the help I can get with this. You are always so helpful.
I think that's part of the beauty of running with a group. You get to run along with different people at different times. Makes it more interesting to me. That's the way I like to do--I don't compete with anybody but ME.That way, you don't hold anybody back and nobody holds you back. Run your race!
I agree with you totally on the "my own thing". I have a friend supposedly doing this with me, and she doesn't come to a lot of the Saturday's, and at first it bothered me doing it alone. But then, after we all started becoming "more experienced", I found I almost did better, because I didn't have to wait on someone else. Just put my music on, and follow the beat of my own drummer, per se. But, I also like to have someone (esp. my hubby) with me during the week because it keeps me going and motivated.
Thanks for the comment and suggestion of glucosamine and chondroitin. Upon Mark's suggestion upon my complaint last Sat., I did already start on that supplement this past Monday. We will see how Sat goes. And, D'ann says she does not try a jog until after the first 45 minutes on Sat a.m.'s. Maybe those two things will help me in the long run. Until then, I am doing alot MORE walking than jogging. Till Saturday, see you then.
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