You can’t reach your goals if you don’t get started. And two weeks in, I am sticking with it, even with challenges of work meetings and travel. Running was a bit of a challenge with icy roads for a few days, but a treadmill and audiobooks saved the day.
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. — Joel Barker, author
My vision for this week was to commit to my goal of running 36 miles and at least 4 runs during what would prove to be a hectic week of travel, meetings and a trade show with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association.
This week in running…
Monday – Rest Day. Part 1.
#RestDayBrags? Of course, as my regular rest day, I was at the office getting caught up on the weekend’s notes and looking forward to the College Football Championship. I enjoyed the game with some fellow SEC-natives at the local NY-style pizza place.
Tuesday – Getting Started
A quick run kicked off a day of office meetings and starting the search for a new house (#yikes). I paid for Monday night pizza and pulled myself out of bed for a dark 3.1 miles @ 8:27. I pushed myself to negative splits. No better way to start the day.
Wednesday – Travel Day Running
From Denver to Atlanta to Lexington, it was a quick trip considering the distance traveled. An 8:00 a.m. departure allowed me to wake at my normal 5 a.m. Once I landed in Lexington, I took care of some emails, grabbed a sandwich for late lunch, then headed out to the streets for 3.4 miles @ 8:49 to stretch it out on the streets.
Thursday – Skipped the bar
Business gets done at the bar. Even if I’m not drinking, that saying holds true for most meetings I attend. After a long day of trade show and speaking at a dinner. I skipped the bar for a well-deserved slow 7 miles @ 10:20 to hit my goal of 13 weekday-miles. It was dark, so I landed on the treadmill with a good audiobook.
Friday – Rest Day. Part 2.
No #RestDayBrags today as I spent most of the day on my feet. A few hours in the trade show networking, followed by two separate presentations. I wrapped up the day with an awards banquet and catching up with Kentucky friends at the hotel bar.
Saturday – Dreadmilling
Even with a late night, I managed 8 hours of sleep. I pulled myself to the treadmill for a fasted (not fast) 7 miles @ 10:14 with a few podcasts. The sidewalks were icy with a near-0 windchill. I had no warm clothes or cleats, and no business running outside. Then it was 8 hours of travel home before joining friends for a beer and a rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.
Sunday – Long Run
Once again, I allowed myself 8 hours of sleep following a late night. After a light breakfast, I headed out to wrap the week’s mileage with 16 miles @ 9:28 on the bike trail. Aside from darn headwinds both ways, it was a solid run. I found myself wanting to run faster than necessary several times.
Let’s be honest. I was kind of proud of pushing myself to complete the planned 7 miles on Thursday night. Not always an easy thing to do when you’re at a meeting with friends who you want to catch up with. My goals included commitment and dedication. It’s these small pieces that work toward the goal.
That makes 36.5 miles for the week. 76 for January. Next week will have even more travel, so hold on for more challenges ahead! And yep, I’m still tracking in my training journal!
You can’t drown because of one race
Byron Powell said the above quote in episode 66 of The Negative Splits podcast. While he said it in the context of not allowing the expense of covering one race sink the ship for iRunFar, it stuck with me during my Saturday run this week.
My sights are set on a big goal this year (100k Beaverhead Endurance Run) and I also want to run all the trail races I see promoted online within flying driving distance. My calendar is set with trail runs that fit within my training plan. I want to meet more of the Colorado running community and discover new trails in the Rockies, but I can’t push so hard that I burn out. I can’t drown because of one desire when I have bigger goals to pursue. (At least that made sense in my head while running…)
Even though there are often days when others want me to feel like a has-been in the advocacy world, it’s cool to see memories from 5-10 years ago when I was helping to lead an early charge for social media + agriculture + advocacy. pic.twitter.com/MSgs39tcno
— Ryan Goodman (@beefrunner) January 14, 2018
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