I met with Susan, one of the coaches of the tri-team. We spoke about many things but one of the important things is how I am getting in a time funk. How I am so concerned with getting faster, how I should be faster by now, and how do I truly GET faster. Her advice was simple. Concrete.
Get rid of the Garmin for a couple of weeks. Preferably for the three weeks before my training starts for my 1/2 marathon in Virginia. THREE WEEKS? NO GARMIN? SERIOUSLY?
The rationale: I will find my way back to why I love running and stop over analyzing everything. I do like to be organized, I like my charts...yada, yada but I am not a freak about it. I am willing to forgo the Garmin if it will get me out of this funk. Today I tried it for the first time. I am pretty sure I ran a two miler because I've mapped out so many darn places...and I guess I peek at the damn watch sooo much during my runs (hence "lose the watch"). The run was fun, no pressure and I think it will help me get back to why I started in the first place. It's crazy. I feel like everything that is supposed to make things "better" or "more advanced" in our lives today (computers, cell phones, ipads, etc. etc.)...actually takes us so far from what our real goal is- to be happy, do what we love and share it with those we love.
So I will be Garmin(less) for the rest of the month...or two weeks...(can you tell I'm craving it). Anyone want to join me??
Good luck! You can do it! I just walked (with one crutch) for about 40 minutes... probably too long because my leg feels like I'm getting electrocuted. oh well.
ReplyDeleteI know we all want to go faster, but Susan is right. We get so obcessed with it we forget why we started running in the first place. I know for me everytime I try to get faster I come down with some kind of injury. I havent given up my garmin but I am just trying to enjoy each run. If it ends up faster than the one before that is great if it doesnt that is ok to. It is just nice to be out side run and taking all the scenery in.
ReplyDeleteSo true! I use my Garmin to track my mileage, but I've been trying not to look at it while I run. I just have been way too hard on myself about speed (or lack thereof). The funny thing is, since I've been doing this, my times are actually better...go figure. :)
ReplyDeleteI think this sounds like a great idea. Take the pressure off for awhile and get back to basics. Best of luck my friend. :)
ReplyDeleteI feel you. Completely. I look at my watch so much while I'm running that I get on my OWN nerves. I should probably ditch mine, too, but I just can't bring myself to do it.
ReplyDeleteNICE! i agree that i often get stuck to my garmin...i think thats why it has been nice to not worry so much lately about the number of miles...but getting in a good feeling workout :) excited for you friend!
ReplyDeleteI rely waaaaay too much on my Garmin. I panic if I don't have it. Maybe someday I can learn to not rely on it so much, but for the time being I am not willing to part ways with it. Can't wait to hear about your adventures without yours- maybe it will inspire me.
ReplyDeleteJust the thought of leaving my Garmin makes me sick to my stomach. Good luck!
ReplyDeletepossibly the idea of a "new" one may change your mind?
ReplyDeletewink, wink, nod, nod:):):)
Love ya! you looked great on the road the other day wearing your pink n blue...and NO GARMIN...who'd have thunk it?
Great idea! Hope it goes well! :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. When I was training for my half, I was doing run/walk intervals. I found that when I used a watch to time my intervals, it totally broke up my natural rhythm. Going watchless made me feel kind of panicky at first, but I learned that if I quieted down my mind and listened to my body, I could tell when I was supposed to speed up or slow down by the way I felt.
ReplyDeleteAs far as increasing speed, are you doing any intervals? The Run Less, Run Faster book has you do one day of speedwork (intervals) each week. That really had an impact on my speed, and I wasn't really focused on it at all since I was just trying to survive my long runs.
Good luck!!! Can't wait for your VA Half!!!