I am deeply sorry I haven't written my friend Johana her post, I promised her a while ago I'd write about faith and how everyone has his or her own way to renew energy and gather confidence; but today's rain really made my day!
It's been a while since it rained for the last time in Monterrey, and today was the perfect day to rain, given that I was feeling low and with no will to train whatsoever...
I had scheduled a swimming training for today, but then the idea to only wander in a 25 meters space seemed boring; then I thought that I'd go home and ride my stationary bike while watching Sex and The City, but the minute I went back from work I saw a set of beautiful black clouds, menacing to explode in the following minutes, so I decided to go for a run.
It was just beautiful, the watch would not go below 6:00/km, and I wasn't even trying hard!!!
I guess it was just the weather, or perhaps the unbelievable effect of last weekend's duathlon, but I felt great...and I am ready do to it tomorrow once again, rain or shine...
martes, 28 de junio de 2011
domingo, 26 de junio de 2011
To Wish Impossible Things
It's a scientific fact that if one person does not train enough, he or she will not be able to finish a race...
I guess that assumption applies to me in a duathlon, but somehow today I managed to finish the race...and surprisingly I was not the last person to finish it (even when we were only 100 athletes).
It was a 5K run, 20K bike and 2.5 run journey, but it felt like a half ironman. It took place in a very beautiful place to train, but at the same time a very hilly street, difficult mostly for cycling.
Even when I have been cycling non-stop (at least once a week) since January, this kind of cycling is very different, because I never ever leave Fundidora, which is a flat and friendly route. SO the lesson here is that I have to get out of my comfort zone, and I have to start challenging myself; even when I have no important races ahead, just to increase speed and strength.
The other relevant learning about today, is that for the first time in my life, I had an "I can't do it anymore" feeling...a very strong one...when I was riding my first out of 4 laps of cycling and I saw that terrible hill, I thought "well first and only one, once I arrive the transition zone I will throw away my bike and go from athlete to spectator"...in the end I decided that it was better to finish last, than having a "DNF" score, so I went very deep into my motivation fountain, and I finished the race.
Anyway, I hated such quitting feeling, and I will fight my entire life to not feel it ever again...
So perhaps people might think it's impossible, and even when you have that "I can't do it anymore" feeling, we always have to remember that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A WILLING HEART. I am not risking my health, and I am sure I will not get injured if I keep taking care of my body, but quitting a race just because I think I can't do it is worse than finishing last...a thing that today didn’t happen…
I guess that assumption applies to me in a duathlon, but somehow today I managed to finish the race...and surprisingly I was not the last person to finish it (even when we were only 100 athletes).
It was a 5K run, 20K bike and 2.5 run journey, but it felt like a half ironman. It took place in a very beautiful place to train, but at the same time a very hilly street, difficult mostly for cycling.
Even when I have been cycling non-stop (at least once a week) since January, this kind of cycling is very different, because I never ever leave Fundidora, which is a flat and friendly route. SO the lesson here is that I have to get out of my comfort zone, and I have to start challenging myself; even when I have no important races ahead, just to increase speed and strength.
The other relevant learning about today, is that for the first time in my life, I had an "I can't do it anymore" feeling...a very strong one...when I was riding my first out of 4 laps of cycling and I saw that terrible hill, I thought "well first and only one, once I arrive the transition zone I will throw away my bike and go from athlete to spectator"...in the end I decided that it was better to finish last, than having a "DNF" score, so I went very deep into my motivation fountain, and I finished the race.
Anyway, I hated such quitting feeling, and I will fight my entire life to not feel it ever again...
So perhaps people might think it's impossible, and even when you have that "I can't do it anymore" feeling, we always have to remember that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A WILLING HEART. I am not risking my health, and I am sure I will not get injured if I keep taking care of my body, but quitting a race just because I think I can't do it is worse than finishing last...a thing that today didn’t happen…
jueves, 23 de junio de 2011
Moody Mooday
Next Sunday I will do a duathlon...
It will consist in running 5K, cycling 20K and running 2.5K
I am glad about it but at the same time I feel a bit scared because I completely ignore the route and its elevation.
I have heard that it is terrible, and at the same time I haven't trained enough since the triathlon, but anyway it's only to have fun and to enjoy with my friends.
Why is it that sometimes we feel more comfortable and confident with some races than with others?
When I was about to race my triathlon, even though I was scared to death once I realized that I'd have to run at 1:30 pm and having a temperature of more than 36o, I was very excited and it was the only thing I could think and talk about; but now I don't feel the same, and I don't know why...
Is it that I need the swimming part of a triathlon? Is it that I am scared about the route? Or is it that many other aspects in my life are affecting my "training libido"?
I do not know, but still I'll enjoy it and I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience...
The route, as difficult as it is, seems inevitable and unchangeable; external aspects will always be there and my temperament should be improved by the endorphins generated by the duathlon; and about swimming, well I can swim next Monday, can't I?...
It will consist in running 5K, cycling 20K and running 2.5K
I am glad about it but at the same time I feel a bit scared because I completely ignore the route and its elevation.
I have heard that it is terrible, and at the same time I haven't trained enough since the triathlon, but anyway it's only to have fun and to enjoy with my friends.
Why is it that sometimes we feel more comfortable and confident with some races than with others?
When I was about to race my triathlon, even though I was scared to death once I realized that I'd have to run at 1:30 pm and having a temperature of more than 36o, I was very excited and it was the only thing I could think and talk about; but now I don't feel the same, and I don't know why...
Is it that I need the swimming part of a triathlon? Is it that I am scared about the route? Or is it that many other aspects in my life are affecting my "training libido"?
I do not know, but still I'll enjoy it and I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience...
The route, as difficult as it is, seems inevitable and unchangeable; external aspects will always be there and my temperament should be improved by the endorphins generated by the duathlon; and about swimming, well I can swim next Monday, can't I?...
miércoles, 22 de junio de 2011
As Time Goes By
Yesterday I forgot my Garmin at home...I swear it was involuntary, because as soon as I realized I hadn't it I wanted to go back home...
I remember that when I started running a while ago, my father bought me a purple timex watch, very simple and with no further feature than showing the time and serving as a chronometre...
Such watch suddenly stopped and it was impossible to repair...I had to let it go.
I do not consider myself a person very attached to material things (except por my ipod and my ipad), therefore I just wanted to buy another one.
By the time, I was already into the running world, so I decided to take "the step forward", and to invest on my very first running gadget.
The first 4-5 weeks I thought that I couldn't live without my Garmin...I was thrilled by the idea that I could know EVERY TIME I WANT my exact distance and pace, I hated when my pace was over 6:00/km and hesitated when it was below 5:30/km. I am sure it has helped me achieve some goals, but at the same time I know that perhaps if I hadn't it, I could be as free as I wanted, and perhaps could run a bit faster.
With the time, and once I was very comfortable with its use, I started to feel stressed about my pace and averages...so stressed that in some training sessions I really did not enjoy running at all...how far was the light relaxed feeling I had when I started running? Why do I feel angry when the satellite does not work in the first 30 seconds? Why am I now dependant on a gadget that of course is helpful but also could be addictive?
I do not know any of this, but yesterday I ran involuntarily without my Garmin, and it's been one of the training sessions I've enjoyed the most...
I remember that when I started running a while ago, my father bought me a purple timex watch, very simple and with no further feature than showing the time and serving as a chronometre...
Such watch suddenly stopped and it was impossible to repair...I had to let it go.
I do not consider myself a person very attached to material things (except por my ipod and my ipad), therefore I just wanted to buy another one.
By the time, I was already into the running world, so I decided to take "the step forward", and to invest on my very first running gadget.
The first 4-5 weeks I thought that I couldn't live without my Garmin...I was thrilled by the idea that I could know EVERY TIME I WANT my exact distance and pace, I hated when my pace was over 6:00/km and hesitated when it was below 5:30/km. I am sure it has helped me achieve some goals, but at the same time I know that perhaps if I hadn't it, I could be as free as I wanted, and perhaps could run a bit faster.
With the time, and once I was very comfortable with its use, I started to feel stressed about my pace and averages...so stressed that in some training sessions I really did not enjoy running at all...how far was the light relaxed feeling I had when I started running? Why do I feel angry when the satellite does not work in the first 30 seconds? Why am I now dependant on a gadget that of course is helpful but also could be addictive?
I do not know any of this, but yesterday I ran involuntarily without my Garmin, and it's been one of the training sessions I've enjoyed the most...
viernes, 17 de junio de 2011
Friends will be Friends
Is it true that some people start running just to make friends? I am not sure…
Even when running is a solitary sport, in which you race with yourself, and the only one you really have to beat (unless running in the Olympics, or being an elite athlete) is yourself, I consider that running is one of the most social activities I’ve ever done in my life.
Perhaps this is originated by the fact that we runners share a lot of things in common; we can talk for hours about our PRs, our garmins, which running shoe is the best, our pace and plantar fasciitis; conversations that other people will never understand, nor be amused about.
Most important, finding a running buddy could only mean finding a sport soul mate, for the race or maybe for life! We’ll never forget that person, because it is the person that lived with us the glorious moment we crossed the finish line of our first marathon, or maybe the person who helped us finish an important race, or to achieve a PR.
On the other hand, people we meet when running, whether we are part of a running team or not, is very special, because we are fighting for the same cause, at different paces and with different mental and physical goals; but we only want one thing in common: that medal, that PR, that feeling, that smile in the final picture…
For yesterday, an evening of sharing “lame repetitive stories” which made us feel the happiest, for my running friends, even when I never train with them, and even when I know I may never run as fast as them, I am writing this; even if they never read this story, running friends will be friends…
Even when running is a solitary sport, in which you race with yourself, and the only one you really have to beat (unless running in the Olympics, or being an elite athlete) is yourself, I consider that running is one of the most social activities I’ve ever done in my life.
Perhaps this is originated by the fact that we runners share a lot of things in common; we can talk for hours about our PRs, our garmins, which running shoe is the best, our pace and plantar fasciitis; conversations that other people will never understand, nor be amused about.
Most important, finding a running buddy could only mean finding a sport soul mate, for the race or maybe for life! We’ll never forget that person, because it is the person that lived with us the glorious moment we crossed the finish line of our first marathon, or maybe the person who helped us finish an important race, or to achieve a PR.
On the other hand, people we meet when running, whether we are part of a running team or not, is very special, because we are fighting for the same cause, at different paces and with different mental and physical goals; but we only want one thing in common: that medal, that PR, that feeling, that smile in the final picture…
For yesterday, an evening of sharing “lame repetitive stories” which made us feel the happiest, for my running friends, even when I never train with them, and even when I know I may never run as fast as them, I am writing this; even if they never read this story, running friends will be friends…
miércoles, 15 de junio de 2011
Comfortably Numb
Today I was feeling numb, I was hot, tired, bored and with no energy whatsoever.
It was the worst day to train...or perhaps the best?
If I had come home, I'd still be hot, since I bet I wouldn't arrive home to take a shower.
I would be less tired than I am, but at the same time, less motivated; today's tiredness is a one of victory, I was able to fight the numbness and put on my swimsuit...
I would be more bored than I am, because there wouldn't be anything to write about, and I'd also feel frustrated because it's been a while without blogging, I couldn't let it go for one more day.
Finally, of course I would have more energy than I am, I am feeling not numb anymore but now dead, and I have to get up and run in less than 7 hours, but for sure I am feeling happier, stronger, energized with optimism...
Exercise is a wonder, swimming is a wonder, perhaps my favourite discipline of the three...
It was the worst day to train...or perhaps the best?
If I had come home, I'd still be hot, since I bet I wouldn't arrive home to take a shower.
I would be less tired than I am, but at the same time, less motivated; today's tiredness is a one of victory, I was able to fight the numbness and put on my swimsuit...
I would be more bored than I am, because there wouldn't be anything to write about, and I'd also feel frustrated because it's been a while without blogging, I couldn't let it go for one more day.
Finally, of course I would have more energy than I am, I am feeling not numb anymore but now dead, and I have to get up and run in less than 7 hours, but for sure I am feeling happier, stronger, energized with optimism...
Exercise is a wonder, swimming is a wonder, perhaps my favourite discipline of the three...
miércoles, 8 de junio de 2011
Consolation Prizes
I have been thinking a lot about this entry, because on Monday was my Half-Marathon PR one-year anniversary!!
This is not a date to celebrate; on the contrary, it’s shameful that I haven’t had another half marathon PR in the last 365 days! And I have run 4 other half marathons ever since!
This could have been driven by multiple reasons, one of them and the most suitable one is the lack of efficient training; I have been gaining a little weight since last year (no more than 5 pounds, no need to panic) and it has direct effect on running skills. Another reason could be that ever since I came back from San Diego one year ago, I started with my triathlon mania, and even when I have only raced in 2 of them, it is very different to train for a marathon than to train for a triathlon, because running schedule is reduced from 6 to 2 -3 days.
Finally, in my last important races, I haven’t been interested in achieving a new PR, which means that I really haven’t taken seriously my speed trainings.
So, I blame nothing else but me, I am the one that is leaving me behind.
Would that mean that all my other medals from half marathons are only consolation prizes? I don’t think so…
I may be happier with my trainings now, because lately I am not being really demanding with myself, but I have to begin building the base for a new PR soon.
I have no idea which will be my next Half Marathon, but I hope I have the time, dedication and energy to not have another shameful PR one-year anniversary.
This is not a date to celebrate; on the contrary, it’s shameful that I haven’t had another half marathon PR in the last 365 days! And I have run 4 other half marathons ever since!
This could have been driven by multiple reasons, one of them and the most suitable one is the lack of efficient training; I have been gaining a little weight since last year (no more than 5 pounds, no need to panic) and it has direct effect on running skills. Another reason could be that ever since I came back from San Diego one year ago, I started with my triathlon mania, and even when I have only raced in 2 of them, it is very different to train for a marathon than to train for a triathlon, because running schedule is reduced from 6 to 2 -3 days.
Finally, in my last important races, I haven’t been interested in achieving a new PR, which means that I really haven’t taken seriously my speed trainings.
So, I blame nothing else but me, I am the one that is leaving me behind.
Would that mean that all my other medals from half marathons are only consolation prizes? I don’t think so…
I may be happier with my trainings now, because lately I am not being really demanding with myself, but I have to begin building the base for a new PR soon.
I have no idea which will be my next Half Marathon, but I hope I have the time, dedication and energy to not have another shameful PR one-year anniversary.
jueves, 2 de junio de 2011
Don't Cha Wanna Ride
Today I wasn't feeling like training, it's hard to get used to get up in the early mornings to train once training is not exactly mandatory, but heat will not let me train any other time so I had no choice.
Today I rode my bike and it was great, I hadn't done it since the triathlon and I am glad I could do it slightly faster than before; I rode at an average of 24km/h, opposite from my prior training schedule for the triathlon where I'd ride at 22km/h, not the greatest difference but still a good enough one to feel even stronger and more motivated.
I still cannot believe I once rode 70 kilometres! I actually don't like cycling and I find it quite monotonous and boring; but still it's a necessary part of a triathlon, the longest but perhaps the easiest one.
Therefore, I will have to get better at cycling, I will have to train faster, better and stronger; I will have to be brave and lose the fear of falling, I will have to wake up even earlier in order to comply with my weekly cycling schedule, I will have to find a way to love cycling, it's an inevitable activity...
In the end, there are millions of cyclists in the world, there is even some people who'd ride in almost a month, an entire country...something's good gotta have, right?
Today I rode my bike and it was great, I hadn't done it since the triathlon and I am glad I could do it slightly faster than before; I rode at an average of 24km/h, opposite from my prior training schedule for the triathlon where I'd ride at 22km/h, not the greatest difference but still a good enough one to feel even stronger and more motivated.
I still cannot believe I once rode 70 kilometres! I actually don't like cycling and I find it quite monotonous and boring; but still it's a necessary part of a triathlon, the longest but perhaps the easiest one.
Therefore, I will have to get better at cycling, I will have to train faster, better and stronger; I will have to be brave and lose the fear of falling, I will have to wake up even earlier in order to comply with my weekly cycling schedule, I will have to find a way to love cycling, it's an inevitable activity...
In the end, there are millions of cyclists in the world, there is even some people who'd ride in almost a month, an entire country...something's good gotta have, right?
miércoles, 1 de junio de 2011
A day in the life
Today is national running day; however it is a celebration that has been spread to other countries. As an example, my entire twitter timeline is about today’s event, and I do not live in the United States!!!
But do we really need a running day? What’s the added value of it? We run everyday, whether it’s raining, freezing, hot or snowing; we have to make up excuses to not comply with our social agenda in order to go for a run, and we have to make up funny stories to our bosses when we arrive late at work because we wanted to run “that extra mile”.
For me running day is more like a marketing runners day, because we do not need an excuse to run, we just do it because not running is not an option; and opposite from labor day, we celebrate running day by, precisely, running…and feeling proud because we run.
However, it is relevant for me to publicly inform that today I did something I thought I’d never do: I signed up for a marathon!!! A FULL MARATHON!!!! And I did it today because the Austin Marathon organizers came with the fabulous idea of giving an early bird discount to the first 1000 runners signing-in today! So I fell into the trap and I signed up!
Such marathon will take place in February, 2012; but the idea itself scares me a lot. I know I have plenty of time to train, rest, train again, rest again, and start training for the marathon, but I have to start now at least with the mental part of the marathon; I will be running non-stop for more than 4 hours, and I cannot finish tired.
Perhaps it’s going to be the most important experience of my life, and I am glad I fell into the marketing strategy the running industry has created for today.
So for runners, today might me another day in the life, and like yesterday and tomorrow we will run; but for me, it’s the day I decided to take the step forward: I WILL BE A MARATHONER…
But do we really need a running day? What’s the added value of it? We run everyday, whether it’s raining, freezing, hot or snowing; we have to make up excuses to not comply with our social agenda in order to go for a run, and we have to make up funny stories to our bosses when we arrive late at work because we wanted to run “that extra mile”.
For me running day is more like a marketing runners day, because we do not need an excuse to run, we just do it because not running is not an option; and opposite from labor day, we celebrate running day by, precisely, running…and feeling proud because we run.
However, it is relevant for me to publicly inform that today I did something I thought I’d never do: I signed up for a marathon!!! A FULL MARATHON!!!! And I did it today because the Austin Marathon organizers came with the fabulous idea of giving an early bird discount to the first 1000 runners signing-in today! So I fell into the trap and I signed up!
Such marathon will take place in February, 2012; but the idea itself scares me a lot. I know I have plenty of time to train, rest, train again, rest again, and start training for the marathon, but I have to start now at least with the mental part of the marathon; I will be running non-stop for more than 4 hours, and I cannot finish tired.
Perhaps it’s going to be the most important experience of my life, and I am glad I fell into the marketing strategy the running industry has created for today.
So for runners, today might me another day in the life, and like yesterday and tomorrow we will run; but for me, it’s the day I decided to take the step forward: I WILL BE A MARATHONER…
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