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RE: Far From Flabby February
On my treadmill turning corners.
There comes a moment, on only quite rare occasions such as during a return to serious training, when everything just all of a sudden comes together in a big, positive rush, embracing you in a joyous bear hug. The running is easier, stronger and more invigorating. The senses are heightened and the combined feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment easily overcomes any difficulty that the run may present. In that moment you are acutely aware that you have jumped to a higher plateau of fitness; you have passed a milestone on the road to race readiness; in short, you have turned the corner and are now facing clear and reachable success.
I had such a moment during my run today. This was my third run in four days, and those three runs have covered more ground than my entire catalogue of runs in January, such as they were. Today I ran longer and further than I have in a very long time. It was only peculiar circumstance that forced the third, longer run today on what should have been a rest day. Emergency duty at work has resulted in me being called in for three unexpected night shifts, and this afternoon was the only time I could slot in my long run, which had been scheduled for later in the week. So despite the heat of the day, I somewhat reluctantly changed into running togs, dragged our largest fan in front of Thunder Road, the large and intimidating treadmill that lives in our spare room, and set off for an uncertain, and rather cautious “long” run. And by long, I mean a mere ninety minutes of slow, conversational-pace trotting. Compared to my running exploits of two or more years ago, this seems barely worthy of mention, but there’s no escaping the fact that when I look at my training log for the last eighteen months, it is a woeful indictment of too few runs at too short a distance, and so today was significant indeed.
I am not entirely certain what has happened to my running mojo in recent times. While the death of my previous treadmill doubtless contributed to the severe reduction of running hereabouts, the real reasons are in fact multitudinous and wearying to contemplate. Let’s just say circumstances are looking far better now and my return to the running fold is once again serious and disciplined. Hence the hastily re-scheduled long run today, despite the adverse conditions. And my reward was that “A-ha!” turning-the-corner moment when I knew deep within that I at last felt myself running strong and well again.
I stepped off the beast after an hour and a half knowing I could have continued on far longer, but I was already well over my scheduled limit for the week and not wanting, nor having any need to risk the training program through an over-use injury. The reward for the effort thus far was one of immense self satisfaction, overlaid with the buzz of endorphins and the nostalgic delight at returning to a state of fitness and physical well-being that had been absent for far too long.
The feeling was disproportionately huge compared to the actual amount of work, but sometimes you get rewarded not just for the physical effort, but for the mental discipline as well, so I’m banking it without a hint of shame.
And the Track de Jour? I nearly went for an old favourite, ELP’s Fanfare For The Common Man, but this one seemed somehow more fitting. Given my sedate pace perhaps it’s just the irony, but regardless, it’s a great running track, and 41 years old next month! Enjoy.
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Far From Flabby February
