Tonight, for the first time in 10 weeks, I returned to track with the Jim Spivey Running Club (JSRC), and it was a whirlwind of emotions. My last time at track was one of the best workouts I’ve ever had, and then the next day my running came to a halt for six weeks, taking with it my hopes of running a BQ this fall.
Overall I’ve tried to maintain a positive mindset throughout the injury and recovery, but tonight things kind of overwhelmed me. First of all I was nervous for a number of reasons. Also, I was reminded of how high a fitness level I had reached through the summer, and how far the injury has set me back. It brought doubts about whether or not I can ever get to that level again without injury. I realize that all of this is incredibly minor in the grand scheme of life, but it is also hard to express to others how important running is to me.
However, I tried to push those emotions and doubts aside and just focus on having a good workout. I tried to remember that this is important milestone in my recovery, and how well things have been going so far. It helped that Paxton arrived as I was warming up, and it was great catching up with him.
Tonight’s workout was very simple, 2 Sets of 3 x 600m, which seemed to be perfect for my first night back. I quickly realized that I had very little feel for my pace, but somehow I still reeled off somewhat consistent intervals. After an initial repeat of 2:32, where I was still trying to get loose, my next five intervals were 2:22, 2:22, 2:18, 2:22, and 2:18. While this was not quite up to my prior standards, I’m pleased with the consistency, and pleasantly surprised at how good I felt.
It’s good to have reached a new milestone in my recovery, and I look forward to continuing to work hard and reach even greater heights in the future.
Beast Mode…ON!