Sometimes, I have a tendency to not look at life in a three dimensional way. What does that mean? It means I concentrate on one or two things but forget that there are a lot more things going on that I am neglecting. Between family, work and my girlfriend, I forget about me (or neglect one of the three I listed). When I do this, I and those who are special in my life can get frustrated. Right now, I have two ships that need to be righted: my relationship with my daughter and my relationship with myself. My work and my girlfriend have taken up my entire life. My job has taken most of my time according to my girlfriend (she has been complaining about it).

I think one area of my life that has really been suffering is my running. I love to run and it relaxes me. I love it because it is pure me time. I get lost in my thoughts, am able to organize my life and am able to just let go and fantasize. I think it is why some people compare running to the use of drugs. The chemicals released in the brain during a long run are the same that cocaine or marijuana release. The euphoria is glorious without the vicious feelings the next day (well, sort of. There is a crash after a long run too). I really need my runs. It is my addiction. It is what gets me through the hard times. And I have neglected myself for skipping it.

This happens when I run ultra marathons and marathons. I train hard, finish the race and then take time off to recover. Problem is, I have a hard time starting over again. I get lazy. That is what has happened this year. I ran a marathon in January, and ultra marathon in February, another marathon in March and a 15K in May. I was done. Tired and worn down. I took time off and have not been able to come back.

That is, until today. I signed up for a 100 mile trail race in July. The Santa Barbara 100. And, after spending a couple of hundred dollars on it, I am committed. Part of my training will be to sign up for other races (I need to keep motivated especially since the race is so far away). That means I will sign up for two marathons and a 50 mile race. But I am going to have to make a few lifestyle changes.

First, I need to run. Duh! Five days a week. Long days on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Later, when I get into shape, Sundays will also be a long day. This may be tough for my girlfriend to understand. She will become upset when I take less time with her so I can spend four to eight hours running, then be pretty worthless in the evening. But I am sure she will appreciate the physical benefits I will gain and I know she will want to go to the race. She already asked if she can go.

Next, I need to build strength. This will entail push ups (arms and chest), leg lifts (abs), bridges (core), hand stands (shoulders), pull ups (back and arms), calf raises (ankles, feet and, duh, calves) and squats (quads, hamstrings and butt). This has to be done six days a week for, at least, thirty minutes. Some may find it surprising that an anaerobic routine would be so important for a runner. But it is, especially in the really long races. Though my legs ached after my first 100 mile race, my arms, chest and core also caused me a great deal of pain. I also need to build strength in my legs to be able to handle the hills and for speed.

Finally, I need to bike. This can be done three to four days a week. I will actually do this on some Sundays instead of running. I usually do it on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays (the days I do not run or when I run short). I will ride to work and back (which is about twenty miles). This has huge benefits to my running. First, it improves my speed without having to do sprints. Next, it helps me aerobically. It also makes efficient the muscles that running has a tendency to ignore such as the glutes, quads and hamstrings. And it is cheaper than driving or taking the train.

When committing to a race such as a 100 mile ultra marathon, I must commit totally. It is an every day endeavor. But, in the end, the rewards are great.

Pictures courtesy of:
holimites.com
quotesgram.com
Runnersworld.com
getrippedsupplements.wordpress.com
bicycle-riding.com