and so here i am and that mad word currently describes quite nicely my running state.
with just 13 weeks to go before the lakeland 50 i have arrived at a crossroads, quite unexpectedly, and ground to a halt, not quite knowing which sign to take, which route to follow.
i arrived at this same junction twice in succession, at the end of a couple of long-ish runs. normally there'd be no stopping, in fact no other choices to ponder but quite clearly something is changing for me. it might be a passing phase, it may be something a little more permanent (for the time being anyway).
one way points to 'run long* and race', another 'run long for fun'. but two new signs have been put up..'short** and race' and 'short for fun'.
this i think is my 5th year of ultras and i've truly loved the whole journey..sitting here thinking about and you wonder 'whats the bloody problem then..just get on and enjoy it some more!'..the lakeland 50's, the Highland Flings, the C2C and so many others..all great memories and times.
but..and there's always a but..or several buts
- i've got those t - shirts
- i've enjoyed running faster in training since november (and not enjoyed the walking bits of long stuff)
- shorter means more time for other stuff in life
- i also have a foot injury (that ive kept quiet about until now) that hurts at times
- i think i just feel ready for a change
all that said though, theres a lot to leave behind if i walk away from ultras.
hence why im rooted to the spot at this crossroads, feeling a little..well..discombobulated i suppose.
** non-ultra distances
6 comments:
I'd ease back a bit, give your foot time to heal and see how you feel when it's fettled. You could always get back into ultras again.
Mix it up a bit.
Who says you have to choose between them.
I think Nick Ham has been enjoying a few shorter events as well as his usual ultras.
Whatever you chose have fun mate.
I've been there myself and find the best is to take it easy for some time. I usually find new motivation for some ultra goal is back within a few months. Take care of that foot!
What's your foot injury? I've only been running in shoes with rockplates for the last four months which has helped my foot injury - they provide a bit more support and protection. Plenty of scope for new challenges in this great country - maybe make up a few routes of your own and find some kindred spirits to run them with. Ten trig points?
I know this isn't percieved wisdom but i'm of the opinion you don't have to run more than 30-40 miles ever to do well on hilly 100's. Not sure what the foot inury is but do take care. I'didn't and it broke 4 times in a row.
Take one of those shorter options for a change. If its still off-road you will eventually get lost in the clag meaning you end up back at the cross roads at a later date. Just my discombobulated thoughts on this ;¬)
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