Training to Train

Here's what I've come to realize. The NYC Marathon is still just about 250 days away.

And yet, here I am, already looking at training plans, setting up running dates, upping my strength training, trying to add in yoga and tweaking a diet.

I'm basically training for training.

As absurd as it sounds (and feels) I'm slowly getting my body in better shape so that when it's time for the long miles, my poor self won't be so, shall we say, shell-shocked.

For anyone that knows me, knows that I've been fairly consistent on keeping an active training schedule, but it is not easy. This past year I found myself in a life slump. I still ran somewhat regularly, but I wasn't into it. I haven't run a half marathon in almost a year, nor have I really stepped up to a starting line of any kind in a long time. I took most of the summer off as I was overseas, and never really recovered. I'm not out of shape, but I'm not in it either. I slowly found myself feeling out of tune, sluggish and unmotivated. Stressed in other areas of my life, I didn't take the time to focus on my body.

And when you're physically out of tune, it affects all parts of your being (or at least it does for me).

All this to say, there's work to be done.

I will admit, my brain is really good at convincing me to do other things, but I took inspiration from Des Linden this week:

Keep. Showing. Up.

This may just be my mantra for March.