It’s Wednesday and that means it’s time for another Wednesday Word linkup, hosted by Debbie from DebRuns. Click on the button below to see who else is linking up and to join in!
This week’s word is stability. In regard to running and training, when I think if stability I think of having a training plan and a workout routine.
Usually following a training plan gives me a sense of stability with my running. It gives my running purpose as I prepare for a goal race. Everything is planned out and all I have to do is follow the plan. As I train for my first ultramarathon, I find myself feeling like I have an utter lack of stability, despite having a training plan to follow. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like this while following a training plan.
I am on week eight of training, so lets call that about two months worth of following a plan. Why do I feel like I have no stability? A big reason is that I have yet to follow a single week of training as written. I’m still getting in all of my mileage, except for one run here and there, just not in the planned order. I think that is making me feel out of whack and like my training is sporadic, even though it’s not.
There’s also a lot of unknown factors this time around. The distance I’m training for is totally new for me and theories on how to train for a distance vary widely. In writing my plan, I did my best to choose what would work for me while following some generally accepted strategies (i.e. back to back long runs, hill workouts, etc.). Come race day, I don’t know for sure I can do it. But that’s kind of the point in taking on a new challenge, right?
I would like to have a week of training where I follow my written plan to the letter. I think that would probably make me feel better. But underneath it all, I’m feeling uneasy because of the unknown. And the only way to answer that question will be to toe the line on April 9 and see what happens. I’m steadfast in my goal to finish and I’m very determined, and I hope that will be a big factor on race day.
How do you bring stability to your workout routine or daily life?
What was the last goal you had that was daunting? How did you keep your doubts in check?
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I also have some sad news to share today. Yesterday, our 12-year-old dog Simon, who lives with my Dad and sister and is the last of my childhood dogs, passed away. He had recently become sick and ended up passing much quicker than expected.
I’m glad I got to see him one last time the weekend before last, when I was in town. In a way, I kind of said my goodbyes then, just in case, although I didn’t think he would go so soon. Any thoughts or prayers sent our way would be appreciated. Particularly for my dad and sister, as this was especially tough on them.
Turkey Runner 
I like your take on this week’s word! Because yes, my training feels more stable with a plan!
So sorry about your dog. It’s so hard to lose a beloved family member. It’s been about a month since my Cleo passed and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her.
So sorry about your dog! I know it is so hard. I think it’s important to see a training plan as a guide – life never goes as planned.
So sorry to hear about Simon’s loss. There’s been so much loss in the furkid world the last few months. 😦
I agree with Coco, that plans are more like guidelines, but I can understand wanting to follow it to the letter and also the uncertainty of tackling a new distance.
But you’re right, too, in that that’s exactly why you chose to do this, to challenge yourself, and you only grow if you challenge yourself.
Good luck!
I am so sorry about Simon. He is a beautiful boy and I know that he spent those 12 years very happily as part of your family. Hugs and comfort to you, your dad, and your sister.
As for your training plan, I think part of the challenge is when to “allow” yourself to make your plan part of your real life. That sounds like what you’re doing, Meagan. You are going to do brilliantly on your 50K — your training is certainly making you stronger and your determination is what will see you through the challenge. The 8 week mark is tricky! You’ve come so far and there’s still plenty of time to keep it up before the race (that’s mental training, too!).
So sorry about Simon. He looks beautiful in the picture, and so happy.
My current goal to do the 10k is daunting because of my knee. I’ve kept to my training plan so far, but I’m at the point where I need to start to build. I’m doing everything I can do to make it happen.
I think you will tackle that distance just fine 🙂
I am so sorry for you and your family. It is so hard to say good bye to a beloved pet. I just lost my kitty a few weeks ago I am still kind of blah…
I’m sorry to hear about Simon. 😦 It’s always hard to lose a pet.
I’m feeling the same way about my training right now. Because of the weather, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. Changing runs around, not hitting paces because of snow or ice…but I think as long as we keep chugging forward, we’ll both be fine!
So very sorry for your loss.
You are not alone in your feelings about training for April 9th. This winter has been tough so far and full of the unexpected for me. When I get overwhelmed or think too much about race day I remind myself that all runs and all races can only be completed one step at a time and I just have to focus on taking that next step.
Sometimes I get ahead of myself during a long run and get overwhelmed by how much further I have to go (like this past weekend). Time to work on focusing on the mile I’m in, and taking it step by step like you said!
so sorry for your loss. I have never been a dog lover, until a year ago when we adopted our dog from a nearby shelter. Now I get it. I can’t imagine life without him. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. And, yes, to echo what others have said….a plan is more of a guide. I doubt many are able to follow their training plans exactly as written…life usually will not allow it LOL As long as you’re getting in the miles, you’ll probably do just great in April. Good luck!!
I like your take on stability and training. Without a training schedule, our running doesn’t have a direction.
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Simon. He was a very handsome dog.
Thanks for linking up!