I Go 100

Today I had a good look at my training log, and I noticed a pattern that I've been rowing only 3 times per week. In a way I'm disappointed that I'm not doing more sessions, but in another way I'm thinking "Whoo-Hoo! I'm getting away with only 3 days per week!" Of course, now that I'm aware of this situation, I will make a stronger effort to add another day. I think 3 days isn't quite enough – 4 would be better and still manageable. Of course my recovery takes priority – I have a history of overtraining in any athletic activity I've pursued in the past, be it weight lifting or running. My body has always needed more rest days, and I've paid dearly for not listening to it.

I used to be really hard on myself. It was all or nothing. Black or white. 100% on a diet or pigging out. If I was working on a fitness goal I would be continually cranky and exhausted because I ruled that the plan was more important than listening to my body. I hated myself for not meeting my expectations. I couldn't understand when people said to "do it in moderation". I thought that was a sign of weakness. 6 days per week in the gym, week after week, month after month. And I was never satisfied.

Something has changed.

Maybe becoming a mother to a girl has made me focus on being an example to her, so she will accept herself without feeling a need to be perfect.

Maybe it's because I see the wrinkles on my face getting deeper and I realize that there is no perfection in the mirror, and never will be.

Maybe it's because I see how strong and how fast the best athletes are, and I know that I'm not willing to pay the price to get even close to that.

Maybe it's a maturity thing..? Nah – maybe wisdom but never maturity for me

About 13 years ago (when I was still a runner), I ran a marathon in San Diego on only 3 days per week training. I had a goal time in my mind which wasn't too difficult but gave me something to aim for as a first-timer. I had just come off a recent ankle sprain (one of several that year) so I was a bit nervous about re-injuring it. Well to make a long story short, during the run my hubby became injured and he couldn't maintain his pace. So we did a lot of walking and concentrated on keeping him going. So my goal time was thrown out the window and I ended up just having fun. YES you CAN have fun running a marathon.

We took a lot of photos, and danced at different places along the route where bands were playing. I even drank beer from a couple of fabulous "refreshment" stations. And we finished nowhere near what we planned, but we made it smiling across the finish line.

I plan on making the 100 km as fun as I can, even without the beer

o