Here it is almost the end of road race season. It is November. I have not raced for a couple of weekends. I feel weird, like I have lost my edge (if I ever had an edge). I was hopeful that a little rest would not only help my always aching achilles but also rejuvenate me so that I could finish the year strong. Instead it hurts even more and I feel sluggish. It is amazing how my dark side has caused me to now question my fitness. "Trust your fitness." How many times I have read that phrase in running magazines! I think I believe it but I cannot help having some doubt. A side note: I attended a two day conference in Atlanta on "Transforming School Culture." It was awesome and I came away from it now knowing I am not an idiot. Everything this PhD told us is exactly what I already know and believe. Now the hard part will be using this at my school. Wish me luck. Okay where was I? I have the Mag 7 locked up and I shouldn't care but I love to race so much. Tomorrow is the Y double and the race in Nashville. I think I will try one and see how it goes. The weather will soon get cold which is not my favorite but maybe in December, January and February I cannot race and just focus on easy miles. I am going to try some of the Breeden training method. We will see. To try to lift my spirits I bought another pair of racing shoes. Adizero Rockets. Pink! Have ran in them once. I like them. Usually when I find myself in a period of crappy running and low confidence one good run can bring me out of it. I am trying to be patient. It will happen. It always does. Looking to the spring half marathon in Sarasota, FL again. Maybe by then the dark cloud of despair will have given way to the energizing glow of the sun. Meanwhile I need to find support from my running friends and training partners. This rough patch won't last forever. I am very proud of Oscar and many other runners who are getting faster and setting PRs almost weekly. And my Indiana Running Company teammates are all doing quite well and I know will continue to be an inspiration to me and many others. There is a reason running is addictive.
