Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Comfort Zone

Tuesday evening was yoga class and we started standing balance poses.

I was having a really hard time and could stay on one foot for about 2 seconds before I toppled over.

This wasn't exactly surprising or anything. I'd been expecting it. I knew it would be tough for me. I'm not exactly the queen of grace and balance.

But, I know with practice it'll get better. Until then it's just gonna have to suck for a while. And I'm going to have to try to not get frustrated with it.

The whole time I was standing there, one single thought kept going through my mind...

I wish I was running.

Because that I can do! I wanted to shout out during the middle of the class... "I know I suck at this. I know I keep falling over ever 2 seconds, while all of you just stand there all tall and graceful. But, guess what... I can do something. I can run! I'm kinda good at it, even. No, really, I am. I swear. I'm going to run 9 miles in a few days. You might be able to stand here and balance on one leg for like 20 minutes, but can you do that? Huh? Can you? Can you?"

I was feeling really out of my element and very far removed from my comfort zone. And I was feeling the need to be doing something that was easy for me.

But, at the same time I knew it was good for me.

I know that I will never grow as a person without challenging myself. And I also know that it takes time to get better at things. I've done yoga before and was eventually one of those seasoned people standing there watching the newbies topple over. And I will be there again if I stick with it. I just have to keep repeating that to myself over and over until it happens!

On the running front, I opted not to do my 4 mile run yesterday.

I feel like I am walking a fine line with my training this go round. Trying to get in enough miles without pushing myself to the point of injury again. I am conscious of every little ache and pain in my knees and ankles these days.

And it scares me!

I'm sure that I had these little twinges of pain in the past, and I never even noticed them. But now, since dealing with the injures I am constantly scanning my body for any sign of impending doom. I'm probably being over cautious, but I figure that if I reinjure something then no amount of training will matter. 'Cuz I won't be running any where.

So, I added another rest day into the schedule and did 4 very easy miles tonight. And I do mean easy. It actually felt pretty good to just run without being concerned about the pace.

Friday is my 9 miler. The weather should be perfect. They are predicting 62 and sunny.

I'm having 4 of my old silver fillings replaced tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping that maybe some of the laughing gas will still be in effect on Friday morning and I'll just float through my run.

One can always dream...

4 comments:

  1. Like you, I topple over in yoga. I have the grace of a mack truck. :)

    Good luck with the nine miler tomorrow!!

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  2. Standing, balance poses are tough. Here's the trick: find a focal point (like a spot on the wall) and stare that point down. The more concentrated you are on something away from your body, the more relaxed and focused your body becomes.

    Or, you can practice some of those poses (like tree pose) by using the wall as support. Then, as you become better able to balance, move away from the wall.

    Isn't it amazing how difficult balancing on one leg is? Looks easy. Definitely isn't easy.

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  3. glad to see the new posts.

    welcome back to the obsessive complusive world of running and then blogging about it.

    i think you sound fine for doing the bayshore half mary. Keep training without the watch, sounds like it's working for you.

    also, i have to miss this years race around the island, but it's an awesome race. Go slow and enjoy the view.

    Wow, you had a bunch of posts, i need to catch up.

    thanks for the updates

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  4. I'm new to your blog. Hello. LOL, I love the little run rant in the middle of yoga class. I would so be the same way.

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