Three Running Wishes

Have you ever fantasized that a Running Genie existed?

You know....they'd appear in a fluid puff of smoke from a magical foam roller, and graciously grant you three running-related wishes? (No? Am I the only one who's had such fleeting thoughts?)

Anyways, my running wish list is pretty lengthy. If I were to narrow it down to the top three, though, here's what I beg of my genie...

Wish #1 - I'd request that training not be SO difficult. Seriously, every race I have ever done (and I have run several in the past almost-12 years) has been much easier than the training that got me to the start line. Granted, none of us would appreciate our accomplishments if they came with little or no effort. But it's crazy how much blood, sweat, and tears go into all of those speed drills, long runs, and cross-training exercises over the course of several months...all to spend a few hours on the actual race course. Crazy, huh! 

Wish #2 - I'd kindly ask that shoe manufacturers stop "improving" all the great shoes with new versions that don't feel as comfy. I have a difficult time finding shoes that work for me. My feet are not exact replicas of each other (my left foot is slightly longer), my arches are high, and I over-pronate like you wouldn't believe. I'd love to find one perfect shoe that would exist forever without the fear of it getting tweaked. 

Wish #3 - I'd also love to have a better memory. It's incredibly frustrating having to learn the same lessons over (and over)...like how the treadmill makes me (almost) pass out, my arches feel better if I tape them for long runs, and those first three miles of a run usually feel tough.  Also, dynamic warm-ups work wonders (when I actually do them) and daily foam rolling feels fantastic (if I commit to doing it).

I know, that's a lot to wish for. Call me selfish.

Bottom line, a lot of these wishes are within my control....the training is essential for long-distance events, my needs are constantly evolving as my mileage and training fluctuate (so my shoes should also be modified as needed), and common sense always prevails in terms of listening to my body and training properly (without over doing it).

January was probably my most successful off-season ever. I kept my running consistent, though conservative, as I continued recovering from my late-season marathon. Currently, I am feeling 100% injury-free, and it feels awesome. My top priority for 2017 is to remain injury-free and have FUN at my races. Thankfully, I've reached a point in my running where my finish times are no longer my all-in-all. Instead, I'm going with the "big picture" now days....if I can have fun and remain injury-free, I'll be able to enjoy this running gig for a long time. For me, that's worth sacrificing a few PR's along the way.

How about YOU? If you were granted three (running) wishes, what would they be? Could you limit your wishes to just three?

I'm linking up with Marcia and Patty and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run...

and with Nicole and AnnMarie and Jen for the Wild Workout Wednesday...

and with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner.