2016 was an interesting running year for me. It wasn’t a great year, but it wasn’t all bad either. This year I was forced to take a step back and in doing so it helped me to gain a new perspective on running. Let’s talk about some of the lessons in running from 2016.
1. You may think you are doing everything “right”, and still get hurt.
I’ve been in PT enough times to know what I “should” be doing. I would also like to think that I take a balanced approach to my training. When I got hurt last June, I really couldn’t figure out what I did wrong. I still don’t really know, but my guess is that my form was not ideal and my core was not as strong as it needed to be. (These things are still a work in progress.) Just because you do a set of assigned exercises doesn’t always transfer into better running. Other factors I have learned to consider are hypermobility and slowing down enough to really engage the correct muscles.
2. There are plenty of other ways to get in a good workout without running.
As much as I prefer to always run, I’ve been able to enjoy other things such as spinning, Pilates, yoga, and strength training. Variety is good. I’ve moved away from the mentality of running almost every day and then doing something else once or twice a week. Now it’s a question of how I want to get in movement each day, running or otherwise.
3. Don’t “expect” anything from the weather.
What a strange year of weather! The snowstorm in January was pretty typical but then it took forever for spring to get here. Summer seemed to last longer than usual, and winter came sooner than I would have liked. I was so excited for spring running weather, but we pretty much skipped that season (and got lots of rain instead). I’ve tried to embrace running in whatever weather I’m faced with, but if I don’t feel like dealing with ice or wind or 100 degree weather, then I stay inside.
4. Be open to different types of running shoes.
For many years I only ran in the Brooks Pure line. When I was faced with trying to find a new pair of running shoes this year, I was lost. In hindsight I should have been trying other shoes so that I had a few other options since running shoe models always seem to change.
5. Running accomplishments can be found outside of racing.
I had great intentions of racing this year, but my last race of 2016 was on June 4th. Since that time, I have gone from being proud of PRs to being excited about running for 30 minute straight. When you have to start from scratch again, you have to learn to adjust your expectations and celebrate even the smallest amount of progress.
What lessons in running did you learn this year?
How as 2016 a different running year for you than other years?
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so true that we can get a good workout from things other than running! lately I am enjoying the gym. even though I still run most of the time on the treadmill when I am in there, I like breaking it up and doing other things like weights, the elliptical, or creating circuit type workouts of cardio and strength. it’s so energizing compared to just running my same routine loop outside!
Its definitely nice to take a break from just running and do other workouts!
You can definitely do every right and still get f*ed. That is the finicky bitch that is life. But it is never the end. You pick yourself up, and you find a new way. Or another pair of shoes, in your case!
So true!
I love these lessons learned. You sure can do everything “right” and still get hurt. The downside to running and super frustrating indeed
Yep, I guess we just have to do the best we can and try to learn what does and doesn’t work as we go!
Oh I SO understand the “starting from scratch again”. I agree that accomplishments can be made outside of racing too! I hope 2017 is a great year for you!
Thanks!
I learned lesson #2 very well this year! In fact, you can train for a marathon without running…but I wouldn’t recommend it! I hope 2017 is injury free for you.
I hope so too, and for you as well!
I thought I was strength training properly, then got ITBS. I guess that’s a no. Then I found out this year I”ve made so much progress with body weight exercises, and I never gave those much thought in college.
I guess we running and working out there is always something new to learn!
You are so right about injury. Our bodies are so amazing and sometimes it just tells us that we are over training or like you said need to work on form and so on. I think I could right a book with all the injuries I’ve had over the years lol.
2016 for me, I’m finally breaking down and doing strength training. I’ve avoided it like the plague but my hamstrings really need some work. That is the focus for 2017.
Oh I could definitely write a book about injuries as well! Ive been good about strength training for about 5 years now and have still gotten hurt during that time.
Love these. I used to run a lot more but now I’ve found a love for HITT workouts and strength training. But I do still enjoy some long runs to clear my head weather permitting. I def need to take your advice and be open to new shoes!
I have definitely found other types of workouts that I enjoy as well! But running will always be my favorite:)
You learned a lot, Lisa! I am a big believer that there are many ways to get a good workout and running probably isn’t even the best way. It just happens to be the way we like to do it.
I would have to agree with that! It can definitely be a good part of workout plan but it really shouldn’t be the only thing we do.
Those are all good lessons! Injury is no fun at all, and a small victory ( like running with no pain) is the best victory after the pain!
I’m still trying to figure out what lessons I’ve learned this year.
Yep, there are so many small victories with coming back from an injury!
Number 3 is so true! This year I’ve just sort of embraced whatever the weather has given me (lots and lots of rain) and learned to run through it. The weather seemed extra crazy this year, especially as winter settled in – it’s unseasonably cold right now!
Here too, as Im sure you know! Usually we don’t get this type of cold weather until Jan/Feb. 2016 has just been such a strange year of weather!
I know how that goes from chasing PRs to just being happy to be able to run. Sounds like you had a good year of learning, and so much positive to take away for 2017!
I am looking forward to fresh start and hopefully a better 2017!
Yes to all of these. I’m going through the shoe thing (again). The Brooks Adrenalines that got me through my recent marathon (and several months of training) just do not feel good anymore. I don’t know if my form has shifted (from the hip/groin thing that plagued me for most of my marathon a month ago)or what the deal is. I don’t think the shoes are “done,” but something is up. UGH.
Thats so strange that the shoes don’t feel right anymore! Maybe just try a new pair to see if they were worn out? Or Im sure a gait analysis at a local running store could help you see if your form has changed and you need something different.