Sunday 6 January 2008

What on Earth am I to do?

Now I have another freaking cold! This is the third one I have had since October. I almost ran today, but managed to plant my butt on the sofa and watch football games I didn't care about anyway - all day. Kleenex all over the coffee table, yuk.

Yesterday I didn't run because I started teaching. Me! teaching! At the University from which I graduated. Well, actually I was co-teaching - they didn't throw me into a classroom alone. But I will give two lectures next class. These are classes that go from 8:30 to 4:00 every other Saturday for 10 weeks. I have two weeks to prepare two lectures. I bet I will be scrambling on the Friday night before the class... I know myself.

So, I have run 5 and a half miles so far this year. This is not what I had in mind. I am so confused about what I want to do. I may have given up on the marathon idea. I know how much time and determination that will take. I am not sure I have either right now.

I would love to do a bigger triathlon than a sprint. Bike riding is my favorite sport. Since I started running a lot, I hardly ever get on my bike. I saw folks riding today and thought about it, but I didn't do it. I am out of the habit. I also love swimming. Really, in the tri, running is my least favorite part.

But I also LOVE slow, long-distance running. It is something unlike anything else. It is meditative and wonderful. I haven't had a long run in a long time, maybe that is why I am not excited about it anymore. Last summer, there was nothing I looked forward to more each week than my 10 mile Saturday run (well, maybe a date with the "fellow"). Many weeks, he would come over just after my run, and I would make a big fuss about being drenched with sweat, my hair plastered to my head, etc., and he would just smile and say it was "sexy". Then I would get cleaned up and get on with the day - it was really great.

Winter is difficult for me. I have loved Denver so much because the winters aren't usually too trying. But the last two years have been different. We have had so much snow and cold weather. The streets haven't been clear for a long time. I get discouraged in this weather. Most years in the past, I have been able to ride my bike all year,with the exception of a few days.

Sorry for complaining. I am discouraged about my lack of motivation. I don't know what to do. Thanks for any advice you may have.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Mary,
Just relax take it easy for a week or two. Try to get to feeling better first and work on your lectures then take the time to decide whats in store for you. Oh yeah and congrats on the teching job. Impressive :)
Hang in there, its the winter blahs ~ I have them too.
All of us here in blog land will just encourage each other....

Anonymous said...

oops spelling "teaching"

Debbi said...

Best way I know to get in the groove is to register for a race. I have a hard time running for running's sake, but give me a regimented training program and I am soooo there.

My husband thinks sweaty women are sexy, too. Heh.

Unknown said...

Just don't get too discouraged.

You're not the only one wiht the 'blahs' and 'I'm not sure what I want to do this year'

I haven't run outside since Dec 8th and haven't run at all since Christmas. I just haven't been brave enough to admit it on my blog. :(

I believe that we'll figure out what we want to do soon enough. And the motivation will follow to make it happen.

Jess said...

I have heard that Denver has gotten a lot of snow this year -- kinda abnormal at this time of year -- and while it's good for the ski industry, it's not so great for running. Like others already suggested: give yourself a break, rest up, get healthy, then register for a race. The snow will melt before you know it.

Marcy said...

I agree with Lisa, youare DEFINITELY not the only one who is going through the winter yuckies. Hang in there chica! I'm waiting til this weather gets better myself *sigh*

Wes said...

Yea. Sweaty is sexy :-)

Galloway's plan is run 3 times a week. 30 minutes two days a week and one long run. Sounds like a good marathon plan for someone without a lot of time but LOVE'S the LSD runs :-)

J~Mom said...

I am quite sure a new running outfit will do you wonders. Remember how exciting a new running skirt is? :>)

Marathoner in Training said...

Mary,
Hang in there and get better. I think that sweaty womes are hot, no pun intended. Bundle up and go to Road Runner Sports and pick out a new running outfit.

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Get well, that's an order. Hey I made Marathon Maniac status this week!!!!
I'm also running Sunday in the Houston Marathon..so good thoughts and prayers would be appreciated...

You get better, being sick is no fun.

Unknown said...

First, get well. Once you have that taken care of, just begin by doing what you feel like doing, whether it be running or biking, and don't think about a race or training plan or anything for a little while. Just enjoy getting out and doing it. Once you do that for a little while, you will find your way.

Sue said...

Sounds like the forces are combining to keep you off the roads what with work, weather and colds! Never mind, we're nearly half way through January - February is bound to be a better month!