Tormented
In order to function properly, human beings must somehow create a balance between excessive reason and blind emotion. In William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”, Hamlet finds himself desperately grappling with two extremes. Hamlet’s unfortunate tendency to bounce between periods of pure reason and intense emotion led to inappropriate actions and inaction when action was needed most.
Of course I’m exaggerating again. That’s just me. My situation is not a tragedy but it sure is causing some mental conflict. I’m trying to prevent myself from doing "inappropriate actions" so the result isn’t "inaction when action is needed most." Naturally the topic is about running.
A little history….Last year, following the 2011 Boston marathon, I was so excited since my race was all I wanted it to be that I kept running through the summer, not taking time off and putting in considerable miles. By the time the Philadelphia marathon rolled around in November, I was burned out, could care less if I ran or walked 26.2 miles.
I don’t want to burn out again. I want to be ready to run a good race in September and realize that it’s important to take time off, allowing the body and mind to recover. If sufficient rest is taken then the excitement of training for a new challenge will come back strong. The sense of focus will be 100%, no excuses. So right now, coming off of a disappointing race, it’s important that "blind emotion" not be allowed to take over.
My routine this week has been one total body weight workout, one 4.8 mile hilly run, a rest day, and two days of enjoyable walking with Shane. The early morning hours of the weekend may inspire me to take a slow trot around the parks before leaving for New York City to cycle around the Big Apple on Sunday. The TD 5 Boro Bike Tour is a casual ride for 40 miles but I’ve only been on my bike a few times, the longest being 1 1/2 hours since last year. I’m sure there will be soreness in places none of us want to be sore.
It should be fun even though cycling isn’t my sport of choice, it’s a good event to redirect my focus for a weekend.
So tell me, do you have to remind yourself not to get out of balance between excessive reason and blind emotion?
Sounds like you have a great plan mapped out. For me, I can be very OCD so I have to find a way to back up and have a global perspective about things. For me, it’s time away from the stresses of life, volunteering or prayer/meditation.
Balance is hard, particularly when it is something you enjoy doing.
Have fun with the bike ride! I’ll be doing my own 50 mile ride 😀
Over-training or don’t having breaks in middle of the trainings, is not a good idea. The body needs time to backup energy. Doing an active break in other sports is also a good idea and the body will be pleased 🙂
Good weekend!
Cheers,
Gera
I hear ya, Joanne…..coming back after Boston is taking a bit of time. Looks like you’ve got a good plan in place to come back slowly. That bike ride sounds fantastic!