Never, Never, Never Give Up!

I have hit a road block with my training.  Running, well the constant perpetual pounding of my body hurts and adds pressure to my healing gums.  This makes resuming training for my next half marathon very challenging.

I want to make sure my body heals.  I do not want to cause further injury.  I do not want to get sick from jumping back into my training plan too quickly.  I am at a cross roads.  I do not want to give up.  I am going to have to adjust my training plan again.  Tweaking it according to and listening to my body each day.  Challenging it when I feel strong, and backing off when my body needs rest.

I love this image of the frog and crane.  I remember my mom had this same image on our fridge growing up.  This message can have so many different meanings in a persons life.  The main message is to never give up.  Keep going after your goal.  Be steadfast.  Determined.  Committed.  Never Give Up!

I am keeping this mindset when it comes to my half marathon training plan.  I may not follow my plan perfectly.  I may have to do more training (for my easy runs) on the elliptical.  I may even have to lower my weekly and long runs.  But I will never give up.

The past few days have challenged me to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses as a runner, athlete and PERSON.  I have evaluated what my personal and fitness goals are for 2013.  I will be adjusting my training plan accordingly.  I will still run and train for my road races, yet add in more upper body and core strengthening activities.

One of my non-running goals is to complete a handstand push-up (or a one handed handstand).  In order to reach those goals I need to increase my core and upper body strength.

I plan on challenging my core by completing a plank each day – twice a day – and holding that plank for as long as I can.  Currently, I am holding for just over a minute each time.  The stronger I get, the longer I will be able to hold the plank position.  If you are on twitter you can use the hashtag #plankAday for support, reminders, and accountability!

I plan on challenging my upper body by repeating the 100 push-up challenge.  You can find the program here.  You complete an initial push-up test to evaluate your starting point.  After a few weeks following the program you will/should be able to complete 100 push-ups in one go.

My training plan last week was more of an active recovery week.  I did go to the gym.  I did a lot of power walking.  I did run a solo run on Saturday afternoon.  I felt strong and healthy those 3.5 miles.  Although, I could still feel pressure/pounding where my holes/wisdom teeth were.  I am being very aware of my body and focusing on healing.

This week’s Training Plan:

Monday: active rest – PlankADayx2
Tuesday: 6 miles (on elliptical) – 40 pushups – PlankADayx2
Wednesday:  6 miles easy outside (if weather permits) – PlankADayx2 –
Thursday: easy 3 mile run – PlankADayx2 – Pushup Challenge
Friday: PlankADayx2 – active rest
Saturday: nice and easy long run – 8 miles – PlankADayx2 – Pushup Challenge

This week I am focusing on healing and nutrition.  I love fitness and exercise, so I know that I will get my sweat fest and activity in each day.  From using my fitbit one I am keeping track of my daily steps and activity.  Stay tuned for a review coming up in the next few weeks!

When life throws a curve ball… how are you going to hit?  Will you be prepared for the change up?  Or are you going to strike out and give up?  Life is not the way it is supposed to  be.  It is the way it is.  The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.

How do YOU keep the positive attitude and momentum moving forward when you hit a set back?  Whether that setback is illness, surgery, injury, or life circumstances?