Last week, I began our 8K training program. Unfortunately after completing 2 of the 3 runs of last week’s Level 1 program, I began to experience intense shoulder and back pain. To be completely honest, there aren’t enough words to describe my feelings…
Disappointment
Anger
Sadness
Mostly, I began to feel sorry for myself.
“Why is this happening to me?” (As if choosing a career in fitness would somehow spare me from ever getting hurt.)
I could feel my mental health spiraling and ultimately, I lost it on Saturday at work when walking up and down steps, a large part of my job, felt nearly impossible.
I had to take a walk to regroup. This was another sign that I needed to slow down - and maybe I’m not ready to train yet.
Slowing down, in training and in life, have been reoccurring themes for me this year. As a self-described “always on-the-go” person, I find it incredibly difficult to slow down in anything. Being forced to take time off work, to cut back my running/lifting, to sit down, all carry heavy feelings of self-doubt and makes me question my self-worth.
But , when it comes to coaching, I follow the 80/20 principle with my long-distance clients. Meaning about 80% of all training runs are done at an easy effort and only 20% of weekly mileage are harder, faster runs.
Why? Because this method ensures that an athlete will build the endurance needed to reach their goals, reduces the risk of of injury as opposed to always running fast, and most importantly, allows the body to adapt to all the training without feeling overworked. There are MANY benefits of going slow.
I know that slowing down in training works so why is it so hard to apply that same theory to my everyday life?
If you find yourself doing too much this week, at work, school or fitness, I challenge you to join me in slowing down. Whether that means cutting back your training days, taking a walk during lunch, or sitting down to read a book, even if it’s just a few minutes, take time to listen to your body and give it a break before it forces you to do so.
