The No Numbers Runner

Back in the day I used to lead a Run Club. I had an absolute blast with it too! I loved inspiring new runners and seeing them progress. I loved motivating fellow runners to hit that PR or push a little harder at the track. We were a great support system for each other, though I never really “trained” for anything myself. In fact, I had no desire too. I hopped around pacing others and I was done after that. No time to do extra training for me, no need to either! I ran a plenty of races with this group. A few 10ks, half marathons, and bits of pieces of several marathons. I had done 2 marathons myself my whole life, and none for time! This is how I remember ENJOYING running.

Well, the push came to shove in 2010. I felt the itch, the itch to really race. And I hired a pretty good coach (aka the hubs). He trained me for 2-3 events. A couple of halfs and a 10 miler. I think my fastest times were 1:40 half marathon and a 78 min 10 miler. Not too too fast but speedy, I’d say.

Do you know what I remember most about those training months/year? Not the hard runs, the aches, the speed work. It was the numbers. The number miles I had to put in each week, the pace I had to work toward, the hours of sleep I needed before I a long run, etc. The training was not what got to me, it was getting caught up in the NUMBERS. And for someone who is not that competitive, it just wasn’t me. Even though I so desperately wanted it to be. That was my husbands job. He lived and thrived off numbers, not me.

I  got burnt out quickly, got injured training for another marathon, and my health just to went downhill due to stress and other stomach issues.

It was right about then we both decided we needed a break and we jetted off to New Zealand for 4 months. He was able to focus on training in his home town of Christchurch. I tried to take it easy and get my body back to normal. Little did I know it had to get worse before it got better. But I am okay with that. I took 8 months off from any real training or working out. I walked and did yoga, and that was good for me.

Fast forward to now, I’m a good 20lbs heavier and healthier. I recently started running again. Not for time, not for mileage, not for a pace. The only gadget I wear is a watch.

I run to get outdoors, to be with the family, to chat with a friend, to just run.

I run because I am able, I run because I am thankful, I run because it’s a true GIFT. No numbers needed.

In a few weeks I will run my first race since that one back in 2010. The turkey trot. I am excited to not race this race. I’m excited to see everyone out there being thankful for the ability to run, to eat good food, and to be with each other.

In April 2013 I will run (not race) the ZOOMA Half Marathon out in the Hill Country. A few months ago I was asked to apply to be an Ambassador, you better bet your britches I did just that! It wasn’t for the opportunity to race, it was about being able to support others in their training, to meet new people, and to share the gift of running.

There are competitive runners already out there. We need them as well. We need their stories, their inspiration, their tips. But we also need those who are just there. Who won’t worry about the run, only the outcome. That’s me. I’m okay with it. In fact, I prefer it. The “Unracy” Racer.

What type of runner are you? Do you train by numbers?

Cheers,

LC

P.S.

For those of you wanting to race the ZOOMA half in April, please feel free to use my discount code Lindsay TXAMB1 for an extra 10% off your race entry fee.

Also, Michele at NYC Running MAMA is hosting a virtual 5k/10k in order to raise money for the Sandy Hurricane relief. You must check out all the amazing prizes you could win if you participate, donate, etc.  Healthy Bites is honored to be part of that cause. Check it out!

Tagged as: life, racing, running, texas, turkey trot, zooma half marathon