It's official. I'm hopeless.
Mar0320101:53 p.m.
Having completely failed in my ability to motivate myself to train properly for the half marathon in March I’ve had to admit that it’s not going to happen. I don’t know what’s the matter with me. I was so motivated for the Madrid marathon last year and stuck to my schedule like a machine but since then I’ve kept a general level of fitness up but can’t push myself to up the level.
I have been running regularly, just not far enough. I’ve been doing 5 or 6km twice a week at the track whilst the boys do athletics and then I’ve been getting out another once or twice a week running 7 or 8km each time.
We have had such a wet winter here. Apparently the cold weather in the north of Europe has pushed the weather stream down across Spain and Portugal (and more tragically, Madeira). We’ve had a couple of dry, sunny days this week but today it’s raining again and scheduled to do so for another few days. The world seems very volatile at the moment with snow, earthquakes and floods.
I’ve also started doing a self defence class organised by the local Taekwondo club. There are only four of us in the group and two teachers so it is quite intense. The facilities and opportunities in Spain for clubs and activities are fantastic. These classes take place at a new, purpose built martial arts centre in our town (a town which is about the same size as my hometown of Godalming in England) and for 20 euros a month I can go to three 1½ hour classes a week. The activities the boys go to are even less than that per month. We start with 30 minutes of strength and conditioning work before going on to self defence and taekwondo moves. It’s great to do something different and I like it because I used to be a gymnast so I’m pretty strong and flexible. I'm trying to liven up this post by putting in a photo. This is my son in one of his judo classes in the martial arts centre that I go to :
I’m extremely impressed by the amount of training going on by you all especially the ones training for London and the kilomathon and Matt in his ultras. We’re now in ‘Monster Month March’ so it’s going to be tough. Dig deep. Final push! Well done to you all. Send a bit of motivation my way!
Best wishes to you all that those niggles and injuries go away too.
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Comments (11)
eclipse 'Hi Sally, you have been a little quiet, shame your training is not going to well, I blame the depressing weather, I am sure once your good weather comes back there will be no stopping you again, good luck with the martial arts, I am hoping my boy gets in to something like this. Tel http://www.justgiving.com/MarathonDesSablesorbust ' added 3rd Mar 2010
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Skye_Trekker 'Hope the Taekwando classes go well - and your weather improves soon. Sending you as much motivation as I can!' added 3rd Mar 2010
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Way_Too_Slow 'Tut tut! We were more or less training on a level last year, you for Madrid and me for London. Do I have to fly to Madrid or can I just give you a virtual kick up the bum?? ;0) I have to agree that the weather hasn't helped with the motivation. I've struggled at times to make the effort. Lets hope that as the weather improves (surely it will improve soon) that your motivation will come back. Take care. ' added 3rd Mar 2010
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Muffs 'After running a marathon the motivation is for a half is never going to be quite there. But you're still running which is always good. It's been a horribke winter for us all but finally it's coming to end. Hope things pick up soon for you. I think a new challenge is called for,new race, new distance what about that mountain trail marathon you mentioned? ' added 4th Mar 2010
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tinabee 'I think I understand you completely. I know I have been injured but I also lack motivation to get out there. I am trying to rope in a couple of other runners as running buddies which I think will help. You did loads last year and at least you haven't stopped completely. A change of exercise is as good as a rest and once the weather picks up I am sure your motivation will too. ' added 4th Mar 2010
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crooxi 'I think the weather has been grim all over Europe this winter, whether rain, snow, or extreme cold. I was just starting to feel springlike and optimistic after a few milder, sunny days....................... then today woke up to more snow! So my motivation is not on a high either at the moment. I do have a few tentative plans for later in the year, though - one of them for a race I've never done before - so I'm hoping that, together with better weather, will jump-start my enthusiasm again. Maybe a similar combination of factors will re-ignite yours too. Keep going! (and blogging.)' added 4th Mar 2010
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Alaistair 'Perhaps the Half in March was not a big enough reason? Hopefully with the better weather - which can't come soon enough - reasons to run will come much easier. Your Teak'o classes sound great fun...' added 4th Mar 2010
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malcolms '16k a week is better than 0k a week. So well done on even getting out when you're not inspired. I'm sure the weather will pick up eventually and you'll come back to it. Don't give up on us - your support and comments are welcome!!' added 4th Mar 2010
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b0alvarez 'I think you are doing good. You may have miss running the half, but you are staying fit. TKD is an excellent cross training too. Why not do 5K or 10k race to get the motivation and competitive juices flowing again. Cheers.' added 5th Mar 2010
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Account_closed 'Ah well at least you can kick back and enjoy the sund.' added 5th Mar 2010
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emmteeyess 'b0's right - try a10k race to 'get you in the mood'. Other than that just keep ticking over - you seem to be getting out often enough - just push the distances up a bit each time/week. Cheers, MTS' added 6th Mar 2010
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