Ed -
So I'm in my "rest" stage and the second week of my shingles. I'm still running, though.
My shingles aren't so horrible and my doctor didn't actually tell me to stop running. I have taken it easy though and paid close attention to the rash and pain and it's not getting worse, so I figure I'm not doing anything bad by ignoring the discomfort and training anyways. Right?
I really don't need any one's affirmation. I just ask that to look like I might be more careful with different feed back, but it's not gonna happen.
I've set up my plan for the next couple of months and I'm going to run every other day at least with every Friday being kettle bell day and one other "off" day being upper body weight day. Each week I'd extend my mileage by lengthening my runs just like when I was training for my marathon and half marathon. Right now I'm comfortably running 8 miles at sub-8 pace so Saturday I'm stretching that out to 10.
I know it will be tough, but I looked back at my spreadsheet from a couple of years ago and I'm at a good place to move my mileage out. I did it then, so I should be able to do it now.
Without taking into account I'm two years older.
I'm pretty much in denial about that whole thing. I honestly think that I can do what I did before if I just tweak things a little. I look at the times for the records at meets I've been in for the 50 to 55 group and I think, "I can't wait! Next year I can do that!" When, in fact, I haven't come close to those times yet. But still my mind thinks I can and I will. And I come up with things that will get me there.
This time I feel like my endurance as let me down and I look back at being able to run 7:29 for an entire half marathon and I know I can't do that right now. But that's because I haven't trained for that! So if I do what I did then, and keep the speed work in there I'll be able to knock out four 80 second quarters back to back! Of course!!
And I really don't care what reality is, because it might not be reality.
I'll never know if I don't keep trying.
After what you have been through, shingles is not going to stop you! And if the doctor didn't specifically tell you not to...well, then it is okay. Love this post. Denial is good. Age only wins if we let it. We may not be as fast as we were 20 years ago, or could have been 20 years ago if we trained, but I don't think we are as fast as we can be right now. There's more in us. I can't wait to see what that is. Plus, you and I have that challenge in the 90 and older category in a few years. Bobbo
ReplyDeleteI've never had shingles, nor would I like to experience shingles, but why let something like that stop you. I know a lot of people that issues that always find a way to run or exercise. Me for one. There is always a way to do things. I like that you don't feel sorry for yourself, you keep moving forward. Age? I'm in denial too. If you believe you can achieve and you Ed believe.
ReplyDeleteI was told in 8/84 that I would never run, ski or play tennis again (at least the orthopedic surgeon who operated on my knee felt that way). I am happy to report that for the last 10 years I have skied and played tennis, and that at the tender age of 49 started to run again. I will never be the athlete I was, but who cares. Age is all in the mind -- turned 50 and have never been in such great shape (well, at least since high school). No one dictates how you feel Ed -- only you know what your limits are and in the short time I've been following this blog, I'm beginning to thing you don't have any. Clearly Bob has a weakness when it comes to twizzlers, but the two of you are an inspiration to this "old" lady!!!
ReplyDeleteThose are some good tunes, whoever suggested those two songs has some good taste.
ReplyDelete