Dilemmas....ever had any?
I've had many.
There was that desperate dilemma about 18 months ago when a salesperson (at a very reputable store) tried convincing me I needed a neutral shoe. My over-pronating feet did not agree, but I was open-minded to trying something new, and took the advice of the well-meaning "expert."
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| Tried and True or Neutral and New? |
I probably should mention that I was a mere 5-6 weeks out from running my second marathon. Yes, I know. Not great timing. For a couple weeks, I tried a few short runs in those new shoes. I also ran a 10-miler in them. And, I ran a few more short runs. As much as I tried to love those shoes, my gut told me I needed to stay with my tried and true Mizunos (at least for the marathon), then I could spend the winter taking my time acclimating to the new shoes. Only, it turns out, I never went back to them. I sought out the advice and counsel from another running store owner, and that dilemma was put to rest. I have high arches, and my over-pronating feet need stability.
Another frequent dilemma is what to do with my hair. Ever the constantly evolvist (my newly created word....defining a person who is constantly evolving), I am always seeking out (and creating) clever ways to fashion my hair for running. A lot of this is contingent on weather...sunshine? Give me a visor! Rain? Give me a cap! Windy? Give me braids or a secure up-do!
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| options aplenty |
And, there are the constantly changing goals. Do I want to continue running half marathons? (Yes, I've done 27 of them, the more the merrier). Should I do another marathon? (Why not? I know I can go the distance, and I'm not afraid of 26.2 miles). Should I work on speed? (ugh, speed is my nemesis because it does not come easy and requires more work than I'm willing to invest). Should I revisit the 5K, to gauge my speed and try for a PR? (...maybe...it would definitely get me out of my comfort zone) Which of these should be my main focus? (I don't know.....?)
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| too many options..... |
Recently, I have been wrestling with taking the plunge and working with a coach. And, let me 'fess up and admit that it will be a very big comfort zone violation when it happens. I've always "trained" myself, at my own threshold of comfort. Do I want to give up that control and have an objective "other" weigh in on what is best for me? Actually, I embrace advice and expertise from others..... although I think I know myself and my abilities best, there are probably several things I'm overlooking, and an impartial coach would be able to spot those and help me try new things. So, stay tuned....that dilemma is about to be dealt with and answered.
How do you deal with dilemmas, running and otherwise? Do you go with your gut, or do you seek answers elsewhere? What's been your biggest running-related dilemma to date?
I'm linking up with Deb at
Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word....which just happens to be Dilemma. (coincidence? I think not). Do head over and check out her blog and all the other dilemmas being discussed.
I've been debating working with a coach for my fall marathon. It might help motivate me to push myself more.
ReplyDeleteYes...the whole someone else "pushing me" is kind of scary (and exciting) all at the same time
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing what you choose! I understand both sides of it--but I will say that it is really lovely to not have that worry about what to do constantly.
ReplyDeleteYou will be the first to know ;-) #staytuned
DeleteI am chiming in on the most important of these dilemmas-the hair of course! :) I really like your hair in all your pics but love the headband with the high pony top right. Now that we have figured that out!
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha....I don't know if we were "friends" at the time, but I wrote a blog post (last fall, I think) about my various hair strategies...I think it was called "Variety is the spice of my life"
DeleteI think if we a lot of the same dilemmas.
ReplyDeleteA coach is scary. I'd be afraid that I would be pushed too much but maybe that's a good thing.
I might if I ever get the guts to run a full marathon.
It's intimidating to have someone else dictate my training...but also a little liberating
DeleteOh so many dilemmas!!
ReplyDeleteThey discontinued my fave mizunos so now I need to find another shoe to love
I always wear a visor...I have short hair so decided what to do with it is pretty easy..lol!
Oh the changing goals....remind me why i signed up for a triahlon...I am freaking out a bit!
I do want to work with a coach someday....I have been 'training' myself and could use a bit more structure ....maybe (ha the control freak in me may beg to differ-lol!)
Exactly....I don't consider myself a control freak, but it's a little overwhelming to give someone else that kind of control (regarding my training)
DeleteHey at least you figured it out about your shoes before it became and issues. I'm trying new things with my hair too. Well as much as I can change it up without cutting it. Just simple up-doos and such. I get bored. You may be going through a dilemma but you always look so nice in your pictures Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks.....now if I could just find a way to Mississippi....
DeleteI think it would be great to work with a coach. It's one area of my life I wouldn't mind being told what to do. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering the same thing....
DeleteIt can be so hard to decide which goal to focus on. I'm struggling with my running now too and deciding which one to work on.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is I have too many favorite races, many of which are different distances...
DeleteAll your running hair styles are so cute! I feel like I need to step up my ponytail & headband game. My biggest running dilemma usually always relates to shoes - did I buy them too small, are they not supportive enough, they're giving me blisters, etc etc.
ReplyDeleteThe shoes are tricky.....sometimes they feel great on that first run, and I always wonder if they really feel that great or if it's the good old self-fulfilling thing
DeleteI have a coach that deals with this for me haha. I hate having to decide on things!
ReplyDeleteI agree.....I'm a little excited about giving some of the "thinking-too-much" LOL
DeleteSometimes, I just sit and think on things until I've talked myself into or out of something.
ReplyDeleteSticking with your stability shoes was a good choice. You were definitely right to go with your gut on that one.
I worked with a coach last fall and it was really great for me. It's not something I would do all the time, but ti's great for goal races or when you want to change things up. It can't hurt to try.
I realize I need to shake things up a bit....being stagnant is a no-win situation
DeleteRunning can be full of so many dilemmas, lol! I struggled with finding the right running shoes for the longest, but neutral shoes work best for me. I worked with a running coach previously and I think it was a great experience, but it's funny that I've made my biggest improvements since we haven't been working together, lol! But she'll be training me for my first marathon so I'm excited! I wonder what you will decide to do??
ReplyDeletestay tuned.....the big reveal will be coming ;-)
DeleteI recently had the debate with myself after running a couple of solid half marathons if I should up the ante and go after my first full marathon. After much debate, I decided that now isn't the time and that I'll know later on when it is the right time to go after such a challenge.
ReplyDeleteSmart move! It would be very challenging, I'd think, training for 26.2 with all the demands of mommyhood you have right now. It's a substantial time commitment, but it does wear on your energy level as well. And, like you said, YOU will know when the time is right ;-)
DeleteI too have been a victim of poor shoe advice in a running store. Ultimately we do know best. I am conflicted about how many stickers to put on my car. If you have 26.2, do you need shorter distance stickers?? Right now I have zero. How's that for compromise?
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you with the sticker paradox. I got a new car a few months ago, and I still haven't put the magnets on it LOL I have loved all the 13.1 races I've done, but since I've done a few 26.2's (and an ultra), I kind of feel like their time has passed (?). First World Probs.
DeleteLove all the hairstyle choices. And yes! Go for the coach! It changed my running for the better!
ReplyDeleteI am really tempted by a coach also but haven't seriously thought about taking the plunge. I like my independence too much and having more appointments or more things I "have" to do would just add stress to my life I think.
ReplyDeleteIt's always tough putting our complete trust in a stranger at a running shoe store. It's great that you caught the mistake early!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!
I've always thought about getting a coach too, but I don't think I am that "serious" about running. I do it because I enjoy it, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have also been considering a coach, lately! I've actually reached out to a few to see what their training philosophies are like and have a conversation about whether they would be a good fit for me. Maybe we will both take the plunge!
ReplyDelete