In 2017, I had high hopes for 2018 – working with my coach, we had begun to set some pretty lofty goals, both for 2018 and beyond. They would require a lot of hard work and dedication, and maintaining a good level of fitness.
But for those playing along at home, we all know how 2017 turned out. I took a lot of time off training to help my daughter through major surgery and her recovery, and finished out the year minus a uterus, cervix and tubes due to Adenomyoisis, Endometriosis and pre cancer cells. I knew there would be an initial healing period and transition back into training, but I had visions of coming back to do UTA100 again, improving on last years’ time. Wow, look at Real Girl Runner go with her training post surgery! Hey, there goes that woman who ran 100km only 7mths post hysterectomy! I could almost feel the pride coursing through me and was excited for the New Year to start so I could meet with my coach for my next training plan. I naively thought that once the offending organs were removed and I physically healed, I would be good to go. I was wrong. After the initial time I took off to recover, I was able to slowly get back into my training again but my fitness overall has taken a beating, and temporary menopause was, and continues to, kick my arse. Although I only started my UTA100 training plan in January last year, I had a much better fitness base behind me then I do now. I was initially disappointed and defeated, and felt almost like I had let myself down. But as I have really learnt through the last year, I realised I need to focus on what I can control and not on what I can’t. Realistically, if I were to try and front up to the start line of the 100km in 4 months’ time, I may or may not finish the race, and if I did somehow finish I would be likely to have done some damage to myself. This may impact on future races and plans, and general overall health. In the scheme of things, there will be other races – but I only have one shot to get this recovery right. So I changed the picture in my head. Again. 2018 will now be the year of recovery and enjoyment. I have a few races lined up between now and September, and instead of pushing hard to achieve certain times or challenges, the goal will simply be to have fun and enjoy myself. I’m looking forward to training with different friends, introducing others to new tracks and paths, and experiencing some new races. My challenges instead will be to try and not beat myself up when fatigue means I can’t get up and train. To look around and soak in the beauty of my surroundings when my body is struggling up a hill. To focus on my strengths instead of my ever expanding waist line lol My lofty goals are definitely still there though and they will be revisited. They just need to be pushed back a little longer than first expected. And that’s OK x
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AuthorHi, I'm Rhiannon and welcome to my blog. I'm not an elite athlete and I may never win any races, but I'm a "real" runner, juggling work, family and life to achieve my running goals. Archives
October 2020
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REAL GIRL RUNNER | My Blog |