A tough run - and 3 epiphanies

Hey everyone,

Today we did a 5km training run, to continue our (minimal) preparation for the charity race in Orlando next week.  Right at the start, Tannys had some pain (a strained intercostal muscle?).  We adjusted our pace to accommodate the injury, but persevered to complete the run.  Reflecting on it afterwards, here are three key observations that we made:


First, we concluded that running (or any fitness activity) is much more fun with a companion!  By encouraging each other, providing motivation and support, you can push through adversity that might cause an individual to give up.  Today, Alex was able to encourage Tannys and keep an eye on her throughout the run.

Second, we noted how important it is to be mindful of your body.  Realizing that she had an injury at the outset, Tannys adapted her pace to avoid worsening the injury, yet still challenge herself physically.  Working out while injured is a delicate balancing act.  Contrary to such motivational statements like "pain is weakness leaving the body", it is more accurately described as your body sending you a signal.  In the case of a challenging workout, fatigue and discomfort may be signs that you're achieving good intensity.  However, persistent pain or pain exacerbated by exercise could mean that you have an injury requiring medical attention, or at least necessitating a period of rest and recovery.  By being mindful of her injury and not pushing past her limits, Tannys completed the exercise.  It would have been equally fine for her to realize that it was inadvisable to continue and transition into a different type of exercise, or take a rest day.  The worst option would have been to ignore the injury and push the pace, thus making it worse.  That strategy could sideline your fitness activities for a lengthy period as you rehabilitate a worse injury...

Finally, we realized that consistency outweighs the individual triumphs and challenges along our path in fitness.  Today we did not meet our original time goal, despite our best efforts.  That said, there was merit in being there, trying, and finishing.  A champion is not made from any single workout.  They are, instead, born from countless training sessions, many victories along the way, numerous challenges, and a steadfast dedication to showing up and giving it their best every time.  Therefore, we did succeed today - perhaps not in meeting our time goal, but at least in completing the run and taking another step in our journey as a couple dedicated to fitness...

- Alex and Tannys