Again? Really?

We are 3 weeks into the Dream Big Running (DBR) program (click to find out more information) and I can honestly say it has been an incredible experience not only for the girls, but for ME too!  I have learned more about myself and my running and it has really encouraged me to reflect on my experiences and choices.

Every week at DBR we have a word of the week.  This week it is Beautiful.  I couldn't help but think how applicable this is to my life right at this moment.  As I was writing the lesson plan for DBR practice  I was doing some research and stumbled across a great page in my training journal from Lauren Fleshman (one of, if not my favorite runner) "We all have ugly days and fat days, and the way we feel about ourselves projects outward to affect our productivity, our performance and our relationships.  Too often we get down on ourselves and find it impossible to motivate to improve things.  This is when we need to tell ourselves we are beautiful.  It's easier to make a change from a place of self-esteem than self-loathing, even if you have to fake it!"  Well thanks Lauren, and thanks to all the DBR girls for making me sit back and think for a minute.  I have been swallowed up in those ugly days trying to pull motivation out of a deep hole of animosity.  I had it backwards though.  In order to move forward I must first turn the contempt into beauty and work from there.  I have an incredible support network and once I can turn the disappointment/frustration into something positive I can move forward.

Once again I have a stress fracture in my fibula (confirmed today with an AWESOME orthopedist, and someone who will prove to be part of an important support network).  So 8 weeks no running ahead of me, but 8 weeks making aqua jogging and biking my job and being super focused.  First part of moving forward is some self reflection so I am going to use the DBR journal format.  I will keep adding onto this but here is a start.

How I was Brilliant...

• I kept my mileage lower than in the past.
• Supplemented appropriately with Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium and others
• Had decent nutrition
• Developed a solid strength program
• Had great quality in my running program

What I would've changed...

• 2 solid weeks of no running after a marathon
• Slower mileage build up after marathon
• Even LESS mileage for a long period of time (with very well planned mileage increase over several years)
• Different running shoes/keep track of mileage on shoes better
• Restructure running mechanics with running specific strength
• Fixing muscle imbalances
• Thinking long-term, 2016!
• Better nutrition tracking

More to come on this but that is a start, and a good one at that!  Now to Target to get myself an i-pod shuffle for my many glorious pool hours ahead of me (i-pod shuffle in a plastic bag so if I drop it in the pool it is not too much of a loss!)

Keep dreaming big and use obstacles to make you stronger and smarter!