My name is Anna, and I am addicted to trying to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon.
There. I said it.
It’s been over a decade since I started running marathons, and about 8 years since I started getting serious about it. There have been memorable races, painful workouts, grudgingly long runs, and many many lessons learned along the way, but this goal had been ever present throughout it all. There’s something about it that won’t let me let it go.
So here we are again – at the start of another attempt for the Olympic Trials. It’s now even harder than ever (2:37 is the qualifying time), and I’m in a much different place than 2019 – older and working at a startup that often cuts into my training and recovery time. But I’m stubborn, and I know tenacity and grit CAN get you far.
So where am I today? I have been battling a calf injury on my right leg since April. It’s been frustrating but I’ve been going to a new PT and working with a new running coach. See? New year, new me!
For the past few weeks, my coach has advised me to rest, and then work my way up to running 20-30 mins every other day (only if it feels good), and then to where I am today (running 2 days in a row, only if it feels good). He also has me doing a core routine before my runs. It’s been a very slow process. I often compare myself today to where I was this time in 2019, and get frustrated. It’s so easy to forget the progress you’re making a daily basis, or even from week to week. Instead, it’s easier to throw your hands up and get frustrated that you’re not already where you want to be.
Welp, I’m going to continue and see where this journey takes me. Patience and hard work are key. I’m also focusing on sleep. I’ve been waking up naturally around 5am, I think because of anxiety. To combat this, I’m going to get ready for bed at 8pm, so that I can still get enough sleep.
Wish me luck! Excited to start this journey again, and to document it as I go!
