Ever since I got off the couch and started running, cycling
and swimming, I have known that I am not fast, but I can keep going, albeit
slowly, longer than most. I’d rather run
a half marathon than a 5K, rather swim slowly for an hour than one fast lap in
the pool. With this in mind, after the
Richmond marathon in mid-November, I began planning my 2016 year of racing. After a year of focusing on running, logging
multiple marathon distance weekend runs, plus a 40 mile ultra, I decided to get
back on the bike and back in the pool. I
figured I would run marathons, ride century (100 mile) bike rides and get back
into triathlon. I prepared charts and
schedules with a logical progression from one event to the next. I had planned to tell you all about the
plans.
And then, one day, I took a “rest day” from athletic
training, which I typically take once a week, and I found that I could not
climb a flight of stairs without having to sit down for a minute. The fatigue persisted for days and
weeks. I consulted with my doctor, who
had all kinds of tests run. Medically, I
am perfectly normal. My mind and my body
tell me otherwise. I need a break. So, my “plan” is not to plan anything until
after the New Year’s Day. Meanwhile, I am running only if I feel like it, and
if I’m running and want to walk, I do so.
I’m hopping on the bike during the unseasonably warm weather, and
enjoying the great outdoors. I’m going
to swim at the beautiful 50 meter SwimRVA pool, but I won’t push myself. I won’t worry about what I need to do to
improve for some future event. I will
celebrate the here and now.
I also will celebrate everything that Amy’s Army of 100+ Cancer
Warriors has accomplished in the year since the group was formed. We have raised over $50,000 for VCU Massey
Cancer Center, funds that will be used for life-saving cancer research. We’ve raised awareness about cancer
prevention and treatments. It’s been a
good year.
Many thanks to all of you for your support!
Amy
