Dang This Hurts!
I have a personal struggle I believe most people can relate to – sometimes I’m just an impatient person! There are plenty of times when I am able to breathe a little and wait. But sometimes, especially when I have some experience with an issue, I tend to rush the process. And it’s that rushing that gets me in trouble every time. Take for instance my latest attempt at getting in shape by running two half marathons in one month. Yes, I’m that crazy.
Some of you may think it’s not that crazy of an idea. What makes it crazy is that I’ve never done a half marathon before. In fact, I believe the longest I’ve ever run was a 12K, roughly 7 1/2 miles, 20 years ago. But in Classic LoCurto fashion, I figured I could just… run, and I would be ready to tackle almost twice the distance I’ve ever run before.
The problem is that my body doesn’t even remember what running looks like. When my mind told my body what we were going to do, it scoffed. “You and what 20-year younger body?” it said. But my mind won out. We were going to do this thing. And we started to run to see how well we could do. (I keep saying we, because it should be a collaborative process between mind and body… HA!)
As I ran, I began to realize that my mind didn’t really win out at all. At least, that’s what my body began to scream. It hurt like crazy! So I figured I would fix my impatience by getting on a training program. I asked around and received a walk/run plan from Chad Nikazy that would get us up to speed in 16 weeks. So what if we were already four weeks behind? We could just jump right in and make it happen!
Yeah…. That’s been another win for the body as well. But no biggie, we’ll make it work out. Oh wait, did I just commit to TWO half marathons? And the second half marathon four weeks earlier than the original event? Sweet! We can just crunch the 16-week program into an eight-week deal, right? How bad could that be?
Well, it hurts. What I’ve realized is that I did what I always do with something I believe I can conquer with my mind. I compressed my time frame and put the demand on my body. Only thing is, my body never signed up for the trip.
I did both half marathons, but there certainly was a better way to prepare. One that didn’t tax my resources. There’s a reason it’s a 16-week plan; it takes 16 weeks to get you through the process without hurting yourself.
The same happens with us as leaders. While there are many times you should compress time frames to make things happen, you should always check first to see if your resources can handle it. If so, rock it! If not, step back and re-think the process. Perhaps go a route that will get you there with all of your limbs intact.
I plan to be at the Country Music one to cheer on everyone, so I’ll keep a lookout for you!
I can’t wait to see your smilin’ face on the sidelines!!! Your energy will definitely give me a boost!!
Chris, you might want to look up Jeff Galloway, he is a former Olympian, who advocates the run/walk concept and has many plans and books for all levels. He also writes for runner’s world who has a dot.com by that name. Good luck.
That rocks! I need as much help as I can get!! 🙂
Chris
I’m getting ready for the RAIN ride this summer, which is the Ride Across Indiana. 160 miles in one day in July. I started training right after Christmas, but am having troubles with saddle comfort after 40 miles, so I understand your issues. Take it slow, enjoy the journey. Running and walking is the way to go. You’ll recover faster and feel better. I know I used to be a hard core runner and walking didn’t make sense to me either, but you’ll increase your distance a lot faster with walk breaks. I’m a Chiropractor and have many patients doing this run walk thing. If you have questions, I’ll be happy to help as I can. You’ve helped me a lot with your blog and one day I hope to get to the seminar, but Friday didn’t work for me this time. Maybe you guys could put one on DVD for those of us who couldn’t come.
Thanks to you and Dave, as well as all your support people for your great work. I have recommended your blog and Dave’s books to many people. I’m down to $200 M/C bill, $1000 to my accountant, $525 to a lawyer then some back taxes and I’ll be debtfree. Can’t wait!
Keep up the good work and happy trails for your feet!
WOW!!! Great job Greg!!! You have to call in when you get there. And thanks for all of the great advice on running. It definitely is a learning process. 🙂
Chris, you look fairly happy running in this pic! https://on.fb.me/eiFwEZ
hahaha…that’s because it was only 30 steps to victory!!
I’m getting to do the Ragnar Relay next weekend and I have to run 12 miles over 3 legs and the most I have run is 5…I might just be screwed. I’m thinking there will be complete and total anarchy by my calf muscles on mile 10.
Wow!!! That might hurt a little. 🙂 I learned yesterday that it takes 10 days to recover from a long run, and you can’t do a lot to help within 10 days of the race except be on your feet for the total amount of time it will take to do the 12 miles. In other words, if 12 miles will take you 3 hours, try to get out and walk for 3 hours so your body knows what it feels like to be going that long. you don’t have to run, just be out there. I believe it’s true because my the longest I ran was for 2 hours, and in the marathon that’s when my body shut down. Either way, JUST HAVE FUN!!! Don’t stress over any of it.
I wish you luck with keeping those limbs intact — you are a brave, brave man…
Great parallel to leadership, by the way. While leaders can typically accomplish their goals in a compressed time frame, the results are often less spectacular than if a strategic approach had been planned and implemented.
Resources are vital. Ignoring a lack of them can prove frustrating for all who are engaged.
That’s exactly it Mikalee! While sometimes it’s vital to shake your team up and get them to do something in a compressed time frame, sometimes they aren’t able to handle it. It’s understanding the line that’s most important. Great comment!!
I too tend to rush things. But look at it this way–you now have the Freshly Pressed marathon of comments to run, as well! Hope you’re up for that run!
Great post!
Kathy
Hahaha…thanks for letting me know Kathy!! That’s pretty cool!!!
Congrats for signing up! There is no better feeling than completing a half marathon. I love it. Yes, it’s crazy to minimally train for a half marathon because you can die! Ok…jk…but you do have to be really careful with your body. You will be surprised at how far you can actually run. My only advice is pace yourself. Running two half marathons in a month is very possible. Honestly, I think it’s great to do it that way because after the first one your mind knows you can do it. The second one will be even easier because your body will be prepared. You will get hooked after that first 1/2 marathon…trust me on this!
I gotta say I’m hooked!! Now that I’ve had a few days to rest, I can’t wait for the next one!!
My mum is impatient when cooking. She tries to toss in the food before the oil is heated enough which means broken fried food bits. I on the other hand am impatient when time doesn’t move fast enough.
hahaha!!! I understand!!
Interesting post! But I’m on the opposite scale. I started training last August and have just now convinced my mind that my body can in fact handle a mere 10K. The race is next week, so wish me luck!
You totally can do it!! The important thing is to enjoy it!!
No gain without pain! Good luck on your next half marathon!
Thanks James!!
I’m trying to do the same thing with a 5K – compressing training into a stupidly short amount of time. The mind can carry you a long way, but sometimes the body just says “no”.
That’s so true!! On Monday I am posting how badly my mind and body battled. It was pretty crazy!!!
Haha, I did same thing when I signed up for the MD Warrior Dash in Sept when I don’t exercise regularly (in fact I HATE IT). Now it’s a little over a month away and NOW I’m training for it. Nothing says motivation like panic!
Good luck on your marathons!
HAHAHA!!!! Yeah, that’s usually my motivator!! You’ll rock it out!!!
FP’d AND two half-marathons? Good for you. Make sure you wear your heart rate monitor.
Thanks! That’s actually smart…wish I would’ve thought of it. 🙂 I need to going forward.
I have done a half marathon, but would not do a full marathon. The key for me is that I run because I enjoy it and for the health benefits. There is definitely a point at which it stops being healthy and enjoyable and consumes you. The same goes for business. I think you have to ask yourself whether something is healthy and whether you are enjoying it. Sounds as though you will struggle, but perhaps the enjoyment comes from the challenge. Good luck anyway! 🙂
haha…struggle huh…check back Monday to see how I did! 🙂
It may be a battle- but it is ALWAYS mind over matter… good luck, and look forward to your marathon report!
Thanks!! And great blog name!! 🙂
I dig it!
Thanks!!! And hilarious blog name!!!!
I’m all too familiar with what you’re talking about here Chris. I’ve tried many times to squeeze in some “training” before a big run and I must admit that when the times comes around (for the marathon) I never feel that I’m in adequate shape to handle it. Either my body is aching too much from the training or I don’t fit in enough training to actually be able to pull off a whole 26 miles (I’ve never run more than a half marathon). I wish you the best of luck Chris!
I was sharing with another commenter that one of the most important things I learned was to make sure you spend at least one of your long runs going as long as the total run will be. Even if the miles aren’t the same. Your body needs to know what that length of time is like.
Oh my I can relate. I’m a fast “walker” and have gotten out of the habit. The pain is gain though..keep on keepin on…
Heck yeah! I love that motto!!
Ouch! It’s all about moderation.
Oh, and MSM/glucosamine/chondroitin supplements.
Really? I wondered if those actually helped. Thanks!
I had to take about 2.5 weeks off of my plan due to some sort of “hurt” in my leg. We’ll see what happens when I pound this half marathon out on Sunday. Because I agree with you- there’s a reason the plan is as long as it is! Ugh…
Good luck!
Ugh! I hate that for you!! It’s funny how injuries seem to happen closer to the actual run!
You’ll do great!
nice sharing thanks
Absolutely! Thanks for commenting!
Congrats on Freshly Pressed..well deserved..now if you can get mind and body together you can do all that physical stuff too!
hahaha…no doubt! And thanks for the great compliment!
I have never attempted to run a 1/2 marathon but I did run a brush through my hair this morning about 10 times.
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Blessings,
Ava
xox
HAHAHAHA!!!!! YOU ROCK!!! 🙂
LOL.. THANKS.. thats my good laugh of the day:)
hahaha…good to know!! Thanks for commenting!
Good luck on your half marathon. I also love to run and head outdoors 4 times a week for a 5k. It’s great being on the road, theres’ no other feeling so free. Congrats on Freshly Pressed.
Thanks a ton!! It’s pretty cool to be Freshly Pressed. And you’re so right about being out on the road. I think of what the dude in Chariots of Fire said, “When I run I feel His pleasure.”
Good luck!
Thanks!!!
Last year, at the grand old age of 50, I walked two marathons within two weeks. I figured that since I had the training, I might as well go for the two and who knew when I’d have the chance again. Lake Tahoe Marathon in September in 6:46 (hot!), Bizz Johnson Marathon two weeks later in 6:15. Take care of yourself in between and treat it like a really long taper. By then, it’ll be 75% mental because you’ve done the physical work.
Congrats on Freshly Pressed!
Wow!!! Great job!!! I’m fromTahoe so I bet that was fantastic!!!
It was awesome. Walking around Emerald Bay in the northbound lane is a surreal experience.
I got to show a friend of mine Emerald Bay last year and she was blown away!!! I miss it a lot!!! I’m going to try and do that marathon. When is it?
End of September?
https://www.laketahoemarathon.com
Best of luck on the half-marathon. I just did my first 10K last week, and I felt like I should have taken some more time to train, but it was good to get one under my belt. Also just found your blog!
Thanks! And congrats on the 10K!!!
I don’t know if you are into logging your progress, but my family has lots of runners and we do the Nike+. (I don’t mean to be promoting) but its a chip you put in your shoe and ipod and you can listen to music, log your run, and it even has a training plan. Usually like you said 16 weeks but I think if you put in how long your event is in, it will adjust to it. Congrats tho! I think you have inspired me to run with my sister 4 miles today(I have not ran in 2 months ha, but I can do it right!)
I love your enthusiasm. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
Wow! I love yours too!!! 🙂
Wow. That’s crazy and amazing at the same time. I’ve been wanting to sign up for a half-marathon and just make it happen, but I’ve only committed myself to 10kms so far. I wish you the best and hopefully I’ll be able to take the plunge and just go for it soon enough. Good luck!
Signing up is what REALLY made it happen. I’ve wanted to for years, but putting my name down changed my motivation. You can do it!!
Last year a good friend and I ran a 50 mile ultra marathon with almost 10,000 feet of elevation gain. At mile 47, my friend turned to me and said: “It hurts to walk, it hurts to run, we might as well run.” I still laugh every time I think about that moment . . . and it always gets me running again. Good luck in the half! Love the post, especially the analogy at the end. I have learned that even when we over-tax the body and deplete the mind, there is always heart to get us through.
WOW!!! I can’t even comprehend that!!! I’m so proud of you guys!!! YOU are a rockstar!!!
Could you share some details of that 16 week plan? I am trying to shape up for a half-marathon too, but I don’t really have a plan.
It was something that a guy at work who runs a ton emailed me. But you can just type in “half marathon training” into a web search and get a ton of options.
yeah, impatience is also something i have to deal with…have a good rest ;-D
haha…really, who doesn’t? 🙂 Thanks!
totally agree with you, i’ve had a cycle event i did in december – 50km – and with an torn ligament 3 weeks before the race, i didn’t think i could do it – but then i made the mental decision, and DID it!
really rocked – so keep rocking your side and keep the mind focused!
Dude that’s outrageous!! I hope your better now.
Good luck and take care of yourself. Your body needs time to recover and running a marathon or 2 is no easy feat.
Thanks! I’m glad to understand the resting part more now. 🙂
The battle between mind and body… Completely agree on that. I’m a rugger, well a starter actually, I’m a 17 year old girl and play as a winger, so I’ve done a lot of running, but to be honest I haven’t got the guts to run as far as half marathon, so bravo to you 🙂
Dang girl! If you do that, a half will be easy. Just sign up. 🙂
wow nice! ive been wanting to try joining a marathon, like a run for a cause thing.. but im kind of hesitant because i have asthma, but i really wanted to try it, do you think i could give it a try??if so, what preparations should i have to do so i could start joining marathons??
Well, obviously I would start with the docs. I can tell you though, I have sinus issues and they go away when I run. It’s the craziest thing. I would say to try and follow at least a 3 to 4 month plan and see how you can do. But I’m obviously no expert. 🙂
“Power” walking yes, running – forget it! Congrats to you though and best of luck!
Hey listen, you need to read Monday and Tuesday’s post if your a power walker. You’ll get a kick out of it.
Good luck! Just remember, all you have to do is run one mile at a time!
That’s probably some of the best advice!!
Lol, I’m of the belief that mind conquers body every time however that doesn’t mean you won’t experience some pain in the process!
This reminded me of a time when I was running to raise awareness for some health issue years ago. I was young in pretty good shape and played a few sports in school. I figured why not run(even though I had no experience in long distance running.)
As I was running I remember seeing some people getting picked up by vans oR leaving the course after having ran a certain distance. I decided that I would finish it no matter what.
To make a long story short about halfway through I got a cramp in my leg and I ran all the way to the end limping in great pain. After that I told myself that I’d never run in anything like that again lol.
hahaha…I completely understand!! But I bet the bug bites every now and then, right? Read Monday and Tuesday’s posts to see what went through my mind. 🙂
I find it funny that i stumbled up this now, because I’m in the same boat! Well, somewhat. I’m doing a half marathon relay this coming Saturday, so I will run the first 6.5 miles and my partner will run the second half. This is my first race, and I definitely didn’t train like I should have. I went for a run yesterday and did about four miles, which was difficult but I pushed through it. I’m really hoping that I’ll be able to push through it on Saturday morning. I thought the same thing as you though, my mind thought I could do it easily but my body screamed NO!
You can totally do it! Probably the most important thing is to spend the amount of time that it will take to complete your part, in one training session. You don’t have to go the distance, just spend the time out there. That will tell your body that you can go that long.
hahahah nice post
Thanks!
I too tend to rush things. But look at it this way–you now have the Freshly Pressed marathon of comments to run, as well! Hope you’re up for that run!
Great post!
Being Freshly Pressed is the coolest thing!!! Thanks for the comment and the compliment!!!
I had to take about 2.5 weeks off of my plan due to some sort of “hurt” in my leg. We’ll see what happens when I pound this half marathon out on Sunday. Because I agree with you- there’s a reason the plan is as long as it is! Ugh…
hahaha…it’s so true. Good luck to you, and most importantly, have fun!!
I don’t know if you are into logging your progress, but my family has lots of runners and we do the Nike+. (I don’t mean to be promoting) but its a chip you put in your shoe and ipod and you can listen to music, log your run, and it even has a training plan. Usually like you said 16 weeks but I think if you put in how long your event is in, it will adjust to it. Congrats tho! I think you have inspired me to run with my sister 4 miles today(I have not ran in 2 months ha, but I can do it right!)
I haven’t tried the chip yet, but I would like to! And great job getting out there. My other half marathon is this weekend and I’m praying the shins work out!! 🙂
Thank you for sharing content to read.
hi Chris!!!l i just finished my first 5k marathon..(Manila International Marathon)MIM it feels so GREAT! so fun!i didnt use my inhaler the whole time and it really feels good inside that i got to finish something that i didnt imagine that i could do, because of my asthma..il be posting pictures for you to see..hehehehe it was the best sunday of my life:)
That is so awesome!!! I’m so proud of you!!! It is a huge accomplishment and I can’t wait to see the pictures!
Kamusta!just posted pics from the marathon:)
Congratulations!! Great job!!!