Training Again

 

Yesterday I completed an amazing trail run, that just felt stronger than ever for some reason. You see, I’m not new to running, I just have taken some time off to work on recovery and to heal. And while I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing, looking back, it all makes sense. 

Years ago, I was as addicted to running as I was to alcohol. While I was a tremendous athlete, I was a confused person. I did amazing things, but was held back and crippled by a desire to drink and filled non-drinking times with tons of running. I held on to toxic relationships and was a toxic person myself. I owe amends to a few folks - as I’ve grown astronomically since surrendering and becoming sober. 

But yesterday’s run was the run I needed to believe that I’m recovering quite well - that I’m strong - and I’m finally at peace with the old part of my life. Taking time to only swim, helped me rediscover passion, a desire to train, and form friendships that are healthy and vibrant. As I merge swimming and running together, I breathe deep, trust the process, and take one step at a time. I’m very excited. 

Currently I am training for a SwimRun with my friend Thomas.  I have wanted to do a SwimRun for a few years, since it became an event at Lake James - but I never had a partner. I always could find someone to run with, but I could never find someone who would swim that far.  

                                                                

 It's an endurance even in which you run and swim along a set course of cross country/trail runs and open water swims without stopping in between.  So in essence you may run a bit, jump in the water (lake in our case), swim a certain distance, jump out and run a certain distance, and repeat.  Our event is 19 miles total - with 15 off and on ran and 4 off and on swam. 

My friend, Thomas is an IRONMAN.  He completed IRONMAN Florida in November and needed something to train for.  As an endurance swimmer and okayish runner (former endurance runner) - I told him about this event.  Although there was a short course solo option, we opted to team up and do the full course. 

So training started this week.  

My swims felt good / as I am a strong swimmer and love to swim... 

 1) with the first swim being a distance pull

2) swim 2 being technique

3) and the third swim being speed work

Runs also felt good, as the weather was great. Cold and dry! 

1)  Run one was a tempo run

2) Run two was solid and fast

3) Run three was a walk run combo 

4) Run four was long slow distance on the trails 

I felt good in week one.  Today is a rest day, so I did a three mile walk and then just chilled around the house. I have thought tons about how great my last run went and how excited I am. I know there will be ups and downs with this training, but I am willing to trust the process and always have fun.  I believe in myself and look forward to tremendous growth throughout the next few weeks.