It’s no secret that I struggled with my runs this summer. In fact, I think I whined about it quite a bit. After finishing up my triathlon season in mid July, I knew it was time to take a look at what was going on and see what I could do about it. With the help of my trainer, we started to tweak my running form. I was mad. I was frustrated. I started to dread running. The heat and humidity only exacerbated all my feelings. Then, slowly something started to happen. I began to realize that I had to take one step backwards, two steps forward to see improvement.
One Step Backwards, Two Steps Forward
Backing up just a bit, after having lingering Plantar Fasciitus issues for over a year, I decided to put more of my energies into the swim and bike legs of my triathlon season. I kept my run mileage (3-4 miles) and frequency (2-3 runs per week) low to baby the PF. I put much of my efforts into swimming and biking and it paid off. I had better bike and swim times this season than I ever have. I saw real improvement for the first time in a while. My triathlon run times started to suffer and by the end of the season, I was having my worst performance times ever. I had such a dismal run my last race that I didn’t even write about it all.
Back to Basics
For the past month, I’ve been quietly focusing on revamping my running. My trainer has been helping me go back to basics. We started with a pretty rough track workout where I concentrated on every step I took. We went back to body lean, arm swing, hill running and shorter strides. We added back in my one mile treadmill runs before our strength training sessions. Some days I felt so slow that I know I could have walked faster. I could no longer keep up with my friends on our group runs. How could this be so hard? Why was I even more frustrated than I was during tri season? Is this really a good idea?
Then, all of the sudden, about 3 weeks ago I started to feel a little bit better on my runs. I was starting to feel more natural again and not so obsessed with whether I was doing something right. I started to feel improvement. Almost by accident, I started running longer again and feeling good about it. The cooler temps and the rainy runs made running more enjoyable again. Those one mile treadmill runs are getting just a little bit faster. I started to look forward to my runs again.
I envy those for whom running has always come easy. I have always had to work to see improvements and perhaps that’s what makes it so rewarding to me. This time, I need to take one step backwards to take two steps forward. I still have a way to go to get back to where I once was but I am hopeful I can get there.
Tell me-Have you ever had to take one step backwards, to take two steps forward?
linking up today with Tuesdays on the run (Marcia, Erika, Patti) Deb Runs and Coaches Corner (Suz, Debbie, Lora, Rachel)
Thats so great that you are starting to see progress! I worked on my form alot last year when I was in PT and now that Im running again its something Im definitely paying attention to. Its not easy to make those kinds of changes!
It is not easy at all! Good luck to both of us
I also find running in summer quite challenging, Deb! Sometimes is simply better to take one step backward in order to succeed!
It definitely is!
I’m so glad your hard work is paying off and your runs are improving! When I was a figure skater there were lots of backward steps before I progressed. It is so frustrating but worth it in the end.
Did I know you were a figure skater?!
My whole running life is like this! Sometimes an injury sets me back, sometimes is “runner burnout” (which I have a slight case of now).
After marathon season is over I’m going to get back to basics in November and December. After the NYC marathon I won’t be training for anything so I can really focus on form, etc.
I took a huge step backwards with my running, culminating in my disastrous 10k this weekend. Lesson learned. It’s back to basics for me too, focusing on my pace, and monitoring my heart rate. Running is a tough teacher and there’s always room for improvement. In my case, apparently, there’s a lot. Sigh.
sighing right there with you. There is always so much to learn. I am also trying to learn to be less hard on myself about it. But that’s a whole other post
Oh, most definitely. We’ve all been here before, and if we haven’t we should do so! This won’t just be 2 steps forward, but 5!
I sure hope so thanks!
Oh, I absolutely have. And running NEVER comes easily to me (or rarely, anyway). I never go out and have to reign myself in because I’m running too fast. LOL!
Glad you’re seeing payoffs for all that hard work.
ha ha that does not happen to me either! Thanks for the support
I know you’ve been struggling so it’s good to hear that you are feeling better about your running. I have struggles every summer, which of course I forget each year that most of it is due to the heat. Once it cools off I plan to take a look at where I am.
Thanks! Well I am glad that I do not have to run your crazy heat
Good to see your making improvements! I love how running can teach us so many things. I had to step back in January and it paid off. Back to basics is needed sometimes!
Thanks I hope it pays off for me too
I’ve just started getting into running again and it totally feels like two steps forward one step back! Just when I think I’m back into the swing of things, I have a bad run, haha.
Happens to all of us I think! Keep at it
Wise words. I feel like I go through cycles where I have to go back to the basics to make sure I’m getting the best out of my workouts. Thanks for the reminder that we are a work in progress!
Thanks we are all sure are!
My pace has been unusually slower than usual over the last few months which is a little frustrating… I don’t know if it is just the heat/humidity, or if I just need to cross train more, etc…. For now, I’m trying to not worry about it and get through Chicago marathon, and then just start from scratch once I’ve recovered with focusing more on different types of shorter/faster runs and interval work and not doing distance…
Thanks for sharing that it makes me feel a little bit better. I guess we all have phases where running is harder and then we cycle back again. Good luck with Chicago can’t wait to read about it
I definitely have to focus on form and developing endurance, but I agree it is super rewarding to see progress when you have been working hard.
Seeing your work start to pay off is fabulous indeed.
I think a lot of us need this reminder to check in with ourselves once in a while. Ego can be a birch sometimes and make us be harder one self then necessary. I am glad to see you are getting your groove back!
Thanks! You are right it’s good to do a self evaluation every once in a while in all aspects. Hope you are well thanks for stopping in
Why is it so hard for us to step-back? But you’re right, it really can be the best way to move forward. Great topic to mull over.
Thanks-it is certainly humbling and not easy to do by any means
I’m so glad things are turning around for you!!!! I sometimes wonder if Fate stepped in when it did (like, back in mid-June) to force me to step back. The thing is, I don’t think I was really doing anything wrong (no excessive miles, honored rest days, ZERO over-training, etc.), but yet, it was ME this stuff happened to. I guess time will tell (hopefully soon) if this “step back” will propel me forward…
It’s funny why and when things happen sometimes for sure.You have had the best attitude though
I’m so glad you’re seeing improvements with your running! That’s great news!!
Thanks so much I am feeling a little better this week about things
Yeah. Sometimes it feels like that’s the story of my running life! Knee surgery took me a HUGE step back but I feel like I’ve been doing the right things in my steps forward. I’m still a work in progress and expect to be for quite some time. Baby steps are okay with me. The thing I’m most proud I did was get my PT to recommend a running analysis with another PT so I could see if I had any major form issues that needed correcting so I wouldn’t re-injure my knee. Luckily, I only have small form issues and they’re fixable and not dire!!
It’s always great to get a second opinion too. Sounds like you are on the right track for sure. I had knee surgery 12 years ago it was a tough comeback.
Feels so great to see improvements! It’s those little things that add up!!!
They really do you just have to be open to seeing the little things
Awesome job! Hard work pays off!
I hope so!
Summer running is definitely a challenge. Good on you for listening to your body and remembering that we are all works in progress!
Thanks we sure are!
I remember you commenting on my last tri recap – because I worked on my bike this season, and felt my run suffer a bit in response! I’ve been working on more of a running focus the last few weeks and it’s going well. PS – Plantar Fasciitus is so frustrating; went through a mild bout with it last year.
Oh I do remember that now! Glad to hear that your running is going better too
I feel like life in general is about taking one step backwards in order to take two steps forward 🙂
Sure does feel that way sometimes!
I’ve definitely done the one step back, two forward. It can take a while to get where you want so be patient!
It sure can thanks!
hey, if running was easy, then everyone would do it right? 😉
I suppose so!
It is always nice to see progress. I feel like my running has been the same paces and distances for awhile. Maybe because I don’t change things up to see a difference.
It’s so complicated sometimes isn’t it?
Plantar fasciitis was my mortal enemy for 3years. I basically had to rebuild from scratch when I finally got control of it. As for my recent surgery recovery it’s definitely been a case of step back to move forward. They had to make my ankle so much worst for it to be fully healed and functional in the long run.
I am sure that was crazy frustrating for you too!
What a great post. I’m sure there are quite a few people who have struggled with the same thing. I think it’s very wise of you to be willing to step back and reevaluate what needs to be done and then start again!
Thanks I am sure trying!
so true, although lately I feel a bit the opposite.
1 step forward, 2 steps backward.
I am very glad summer is over though and ready for fall.
I felt like that all summer myself too. I am so ready for fall and it finally started to feel like it today
This is the story of my life! And stupid PF– it’s such a nagging injury.
OH I know it’s the worst! I feel like once you have it you are prone to it coming back all the time
I’m so happy to hear that you’re starting to see progress. That’ll help you immensely mentally, which will allow you to continue to push yourself even further. Keep up the great work!
Thanks I sure hope so!
It’s great that you’re seeing progress after all the extra effort you’ve been putting into your running recently. Your hard work is going to pay off!
Thanks for linking up!
Thanks I sure hope so. All this great weather we have had definitely helps