In Medias Race

There is a song lyric from a song on my running playlist, The Ghosts of Beverly Drive that always sticks out to me, “You want to teach but not be taught.” I love teaching, especially adults, but I don’t always love being taught. I did well in school and enjoyed learning, but I preferred to be left a little to my own devices. Show me the books and manuals, and I will take it from there. There is a similar quote attributed to Winston Churchill, “Personally, I’m always ready to learn, although I do not always like to be taught.” I resist coaching and mentoring, even when it is my absolute best interest. Exercise classes or videos with overly encouraging instructors drive me crazy. (There is a great SNL skit Pelotaunt that resonates a little too much with me.) I prefer to be independent and figure things out as they come. Maybe, it is because I am Capricorn with a lot of Virgo in my chart. Maybe, it was the way I was raised. Or maybe, I just don’t know how to accept a good thing. 

Our local running story is offering a half marathon training program. I have been following along virtually; commenting on Facebook and adhering to the recommended run schedule for miles, but I have not been following the specific recommended training workouts. Training workouts include specific interval training and speed work. As mentioned in earlier posts, I have been avoiding both hill training and interval training, though I know I need both.  Last week, I decided I needed to set my ego or whatever it is aside and take advantage of the coaching and training be freely offered to me.

9 weeks in, I finally met up with the group. I was not sure which pace group to join. Sometimes, I could hang with the 11-12/MI pace group, but other days I am squarely in the 12-13/MI camp. I decided to be safe and join the 12-13 pace group. And let me tell you, I am so glad I did. We did intervals, and while I could easily keep it, it was the perfect pace and workout. My heart rate was not too high. I felt refreshed but not exhausted. My muscles hurt the appropriate amount the next day instead of screaming from over-use. It felt almost easy, and I wondered if I should join the 11-12 group for the Sunday run.  On Thursday, I received my 2^nd COVID-19 vaccine and felt like I had been trampled by a herd of miniature goats. Saturday, I felt better, and for some reason, because one was not enough, I went on two runs. The first was my now regular Saturday run with a local running group. The second was a fun-run hosted by the running store. In all, I completed 7 miles on Saturday. When the Sunday long run of 7 miles showed up, I debated which group to join, but smartly settled on 12-13. I had another good smooth run. The coaches used a walk/run intervals the entire time. I guess my heart rate kept getting pretty high because by the end I was a sweaty mess and it was only 48 degrees outside. Again, I felt like I had a good workout, but I was not exhausted or in too much pain after it was over.

Going forward, I am going to continue running with the group for the rest of training. Just talking with my coaches, I picked up a number of tips and had fun talking with some new people. I felt supported and encouraged. There is a time and a place for forging ahead alone like the stoic, lone wolf you imagine yourself to be. Sometimes you need to embrace the advice and support being offered. You may be surprised not only how much you learn, but also how much you enjoy it. One run with a great coach can be better than a thousand runs on your own.