Yesterday I went for a mountain bike ride. I know from past experience that mountain biking doesn't bother my calf muscles. I planned to ride again today, but I am tired. I've been working some strange hours on a project overseas, so that might be a factor. But more likely I am still recovering from my run and need more rest.
This week I've been thinking a lot about one of my favorite quotes:
"Without patience, you will never conquer endurance."
Yiannis Kouros
Yiannis Kouros
I think my body is trying to teach me patience this week. I've mentioned previously that my will and desire have advanced beyond my body's ability to perform. I've tried to push my body into shape. But I am slowly realizing that fitness comes over time and that I need to be patient and let the process work. I am still a year away from my first ultramarathon. No reason to push it now and just hurt myself further.
So I am going to
I find it strange that the hardest part of physical endurance is the mental discipline needed to achieve it. I gotta get my head in the game!
Rest & Recovery is good, good, good. Great quote. Been looking at your trail links as I will be in Texas soon. Everything seems a bit far (I'll be about an hour south of Dallas), so it looks like I'll be running those long flat lonely dirt roads (which I love too). Looking forward to big skies, and the friendly people who don't think you're a total freak for doing your own thing : ) Good luck with your rest.
ReplyDeleteLauren--if you are going to be an hour south of Dallas, you might want to check out Cameron Park in Waco. If that's not the area you'll be in, let me know and I will find a closer trail for you. Hope you enjoy Texas!
ReplyDeleteMy husband proposed to me in Cameron Park :-) It's been many years since we've been back though.
ReplyDeleteJust remember - it's not the working out that makes us stronger, fitter, faster. It's the recovery.
ReplyDeleteGlenn, good timing on the comment about recovery. I really needed to hear that. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteOff topic, but thanks for your encouragement for my buddy, Duncan.
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate it!
http://www.johnnylaird.net/2010/12/%E2%80%98red-light-run%E2%80%99-ultramarathon-challenge/
J
Thanks for the recommendation -- looks like a great park. But I think it's still a little far. We'll be in Stephenville. I'll probably work on long, long runs and alternate it with speed work on vacation in the great state of Tx.
ReplyDeleteLauren--if you are going to be in Stephenville, Texas, one of the closest trails is the Cedar Brake Trail in Dinosaur Valley State Park. While there, check out the REAL dinosaur tracks!
ReplyDelete