This week-end I’m thinking a lot about the power of strength.
It started as a physical focus, as I completed my first double digit run since a half-marathon in March. It’s part of my slow and steady build to marathon training and strength has been a big focus. I committed to about 10 physical therapy sessions (finally!) and have benefitted from advanced release therapy (ART) on my stubborn IT band. My left leg has been a nemesis for a long time and my IT band flared up in the final stages of my last marathon training stint.
This time, I want to have a strong foundation, which will hopefully help me get to the finish line (so to speak) healthy – or at least able to complete training pain free. Or largely pain free. I’m tough and I’ve run through a lot of pain in my life, including broken bones and completely numb legs, but those days are over. I want to enjoy this marathon training. So I needed to commit to building strength.
The last few months I’ve been working on strength – lunging backwards and forwards, crab walking, and side stepping with resistance bands on my legs all over our little rental house. My glutes and hips needed strength (to avoid my quads pulling on my IT band, which then would over-tax my hamstrings), so that has been my focus. When all is said and done, I am going to have a seriously strong set of glutes and flexible hips. I sincerely love the science behind how the body works together and I’m sure I drive my new PT friends crazy with a million questions.
While I’m at it, I decided to work on other under-worked muscles that running doesn’t touch (abs, arms, and back). I’m excited to reach #44 next month in excellent shape. Bring.it.on.
So I was enjoying my strength yesterday on my long run. My legs felt strong. No cranky IT band. I had to hold myself back from running too fast. Fantastic!
And then I started thinking about other forms of strength. Am I mentally strong right now? Am I using my long runs to work on building my mind to not only suffer through tough spots in the marathon, but to accelerate? This used to be my top strength as a competitive runner, but it’s an under-worked muscle now too.
And beyond running….am I exercising my mind for continuous learning and growth? What new things have I learned lately? (luckily I have a great answer to this question…next blog) What is inspiring me?
Am I strong in community and friendship? Am I making time for those I love and who make me happy amidst the typical crazy schedule?
Am I strong of spirit? Do I have enough time set aside to recharge this summer? Not just for my family. Not including the endless planning for camps, volunteer hours, and family vacations. But for me.
Am I strong professionally? Am I pushing myself and challenging myself and pursuing my dreams? Or am I letting time drift by as I tackle the next near-term project?
Because strength comes in many different forms. And I want it all. Don’t you?
The Redefining 
Lis,
Selfishly, I hope this means that I get to see you more.. or at least talk?
Historically, I will tell you that you are seeking epic levels of strength and in multiple forms too. You have always been steel strong, but you seek strength in all elements and that quest means that you now have it. I love you. I always have and always will. You are a warrior and that spirit will never cease. I look forward to aging with you my beloved.
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