Running Rehab

Ever heard the song 'Addicted' by Kelly Clarkson?

I feel like it describes my relationship with running lately. 

"It's like I can't breathe

It's like I can't see anything

Nothing but you

I'm addicted to you

It's like I can't think

Without you interrupting me

In my thoughts

In my dreams

You've taken over me

It's like I'm not me

I'm hooked on you

I need a fix

I can't take it

Just one more hit

I promise I can deal with it

I'll handle it, quit it

Just one more time

then that's it

Just a little bit more to get me through this"

The other day at work, someone asked me why I loved running. 

and I stumbled trying to find the words. 

Why do I love running?

Deep down, I know the answer.

It's my ME time.

I can go out for a run and think about everything,

or think about nothing and completely zone out.

groove to my music.

be angry.

be happy.

just be me. 

It's my antidepressant.

happy running moment

but lately...

it's felt a little toxic.

I feel like I need to go to Running Rehab

I've been feeling very sluggish during (most of) my runs.

Just haven't been digging any of my runs, especially the long runs.

so my confidence has suffered big time.

Ogden Marathon is only 4 weeks away and I'm a little (ok... a lot) nervous.

Tyson (my Elevated CrossFit coach/trainer/WOD-god) had a heart to heart with me earlier this month.

He said I'm doing too much.

I'm running as if I'm not doing CrossFit

and I'm doing CrossFit as if I'm not training for Ogden.
(does that make sense?!)

I've been running 5-6 days a week, varying mileage, but on average 30-40 miles per week.

and I'm CrossFitting 4-5 days a week. 

(If ECF was open on Saturday and Sunday - I'd probably go 5-6 days a week - no joke)

My problem...

I'm ADDICTED to RUNNING & CROSSFIT

and Tyson has warned me if I keep working out the way I am right now, I'm going to end up with an injury that would sideline me from running and crossfit.

and seeing as how well I deal with injury (evidenced here & here) something has got to change.

Tyson wants me to try CrossFit Endurance.

All of my endurance running friends, read THIS (CFE FAQs).

Am I 100% certain this is the right thing for me?

absolutely not. 

Tyson got an earful of my craziness a few weeks ago.

All my excuses, explanations, but-what-if-I...

He said that if I continue training (running) the way I have been (for the last 4+years), I need to cut WAY back on CrossFit training. Like, only once a week, at least until the marathon is over. 

And I'm not okay with that scenario, either. 

I'm LOVING CrossFit. I love how my body has changed. 

I love that my mindset has changed enough to realize there is more to fitness than mile splits & race PRs.

With CrossFit I'm realizing that my body is capable of SO much more than just running. 

I can squat, clean & jerk, deadlift, do pull ups, and (boy!) pushups.

So... I'm going out on a limb and trusting Tyson.

He's formulating a CrossFit Endurance training plan for the next 6 weeks.
I actually started this plan 2 weeks ago... so I've already completed 2 weeks of CFE training.
If you follow me on DailyMile you may have noticed the significant drop in mileage.

I'm excited & terrified at the same time. 

I want to go back to LOVING running ALL the time.
Honestly, there have been a few days where I just want to run (especially when I am stressed), I miss the morning routine. But this makes the days that I do get to run that much better.
Every run has a purpose.
 There are no junk miles. I have 3 runs a week, one SI (Short Intervals), one LI (Long Intervals) and one TT (Time Trial or Tempo). I have to PUSH myself on every run. 

Last week, after I'd made up my mind about going for CFE (CrossFit Endurance) Training, I went to the gym to run a 10k on the tready (aka hamster wheel).

I don't know if it was all mental or what (the mind is a powerful thing, ya know.).

 But I had a FRIGGIN' awesome run. I ended up running 6.1miles in 51:55 which equates to 8:30 pace. 

(pretty damn spectacular for me! ha!) I felt like I was on a high all day long. ;)

Tyson assures me I can get my sub 4:00 at Ogden.

I just need to be SMARTER about my training. 

(and trust the CFE plan)

and trust Tyson. ;)

So... here's to new beginnings and new training plans and being a bad-ass RUNNER & CROSSFITTER!