A Sallyllama moment and run like training a puppy

15. August 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: running · Tags: injury, labradoodle, running

I love how I always manage to rise back up from my negative ramblings and find my happy again. I was so down on myself after my last run (and post) and feeling the dread of not being able to keep up with my training. Today I was scheduled for a long run of 12 miles. But I had this “Sallyllama” (think Dalilama but since I love llamas….well you get it.) moment. Why am I forcing myself to stick to a schedule that was created based on a healthy runner when I’m currently dealing with some compromising injuries? So I took 30 minutes to foam roll and stretch and then set out for whatever my body could handle today knowing I’m off all next week and could re-attempt a long run at some point then.

How many miles will you take me today?

Well whaddya know? The stretching and foam rolling helped get me out the door with more mobility and less achy-ness and the run seemed so much more enjoyable.

I also wore some compression shorts under my skirt and it’s built in shorts to help support my hamstring.

I decided I’d stop running while I was still feeling good and that reminded me of the way I was taught to train Duncan. Always end a training session on a positive note. If we worked hard to get “roll over” right and it wasn’t working, I’d have him do a perfect sit/stay and then reward him with a treat and some lovin’ and that would be the end of the training for the day.

So here’s my advice to myself and to anyone reading whoever feels like their struggling with keeping to their training. Just train like a puppy. Make sure you’re prepared/healthy/and eager for your training sessions. Know what goals are truly attainable. Don’t try for the roll-over if your only able to complete the sit/stay. 🙂

I’m going to try again Monday for that 12-miler but at least for today my body was capable of 3ish miles and my knee, hamstring, and even my back are feeling better than they did before I went for my run. Getting the blood pumping is a very important part of recovery. (Of course I should say that I’m just a blogger and not a doctor).

Speaking of puppy, I took Duncan to the vet today.

He’s had this weird skin thing on the base of his tail that worried me. I was relieved to hear it’s just a benign skin condition that’s sort of like having blackheads. HA! My boy needs Stridex pads. The vet said it’s called Stud Tail. Duncan was happy at least it had a good name because he’s embarrassed to have tail acne.