We often talk about running at optimal levels, but what about running at less than 100%? This is a reality for so many runners, who, due to a variety reasons, struggle with things like chronic pain, illness, or other challenges.
What Is My “Less Than”?
As you probably know, I have a “bionic” right ankle, and some nerve damage in the toes on the same foot. Is it a huge deal? No. Does it make things like walking, wearing heels, squatting, and running more difficult? You know it does. Don’t get me wrong: I am so grateful to be able to run. But the reality is that running for me is way more challenging than it used to be.
Learn To Be Comfortable With Your Normal
The first thing I had to do as I was coming back was to learn to be comfortable with my new normal. Even though I can run, it’s not the same as it was. There are days when it hurts. Sometimes, I can’t keep from limping. My form isn’t always great, and there are moments when I think I can feel the metal apparatus in my leg. Bad weather makes my ankle ache, and my leg gets tired a lot easier. This is my new normal, and I try to keep it in stride.
Adjust Expectations
As a result, I have to adjust expectations on a regular basis. There are times when everything feels great, and I feel like I am making huge progress. This is usually followed by times when things things are a little more physically challenging. Sometimes, a lot more physically challenging. No matter how humbling it is, I have to adjust goals, change plans, and go with the flow. Again, it’s not bad, but it’s different, and that takes some getting used to.
Be In Tune With Your Needs
When you’re running at less than 100%, you need to be a little more in tune with your body and your needs. That means slowing down, taking more rest, and giving more time to recover. When you want to just go and push, this can be a huge challenge, but it’s also part of the long game. In order to continue to run, I have to pay attention and listen to that ankle.
Do you feel like you run at 100% or less then? How do you cope?
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Listening to our body is so important!
I guess this also applies as we age – the body isn’t the same anymore. We can’t hit the paces we used to and it takes more time to recover.
However, we can still fit in age groups. With an injury, it’s different – which is an additional challenge.
Well done for adjusting your expectations and persevering! It’s worth it!
It’s so worth it. Sometimes I forget, but then I come to my senses.
Im sure its tough to manage that, but I’m glad you have figured out how to continue running! I feel like as Ive gotten older and after hip surgery and a c-section I need to be more mindful of how my body is responding to all the running. There are times when things just feel off and I need to adjust a bit.
Getting older is nonsense, is what I say! But yes, we definitely should be mindful of what our body is telling us.
Interesting topic! Is anyone really at 100% all the time? I really struggled with adjusting my expectations after finding out about some health issues last year. I have come to learn that I can run just for the joy and benefit of running without always having to train for a race or beat a pace. It’s a hard adaptation sometimes but I am trying
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Brooks Hype Fest 2024 Chicago Recap
I mean… maybe not technically at 100% but whatever our individual baselines are. And do we even know what’s 100% if we’re just used to existing at a certain level, good or bad.
I have absolutely had to embrace the joy and love of running, because pushing too hard brings me a lot of pain. So I can choose no running, or party pace all day. Hugs to you. I know it’s hard.
Did you write this for me?
I agree with Deborah. We are probably never 100% but often our health issues may be permanent and we have to accept the “new” runner. My ankle for ex.
Then there are injuries and aging!!
For me, it’s being kind to myself. Realizing that you can walk a race. Not training for race is not a solution. It’s giving up. You just adjust your expectations as you said.
Hahaha! We are one mind! It just sort of occurred to me the other day… the weather has my ankle in hysterics, and I’ve actually kicked my husband in bed a few times from just a reflexive spasm. It made me think… It hurts. It’s not keeping me from anything and I don’t need interventions for it, but there are days when I’m in pain. And it’s the normal I live with. It’s hard to think back to the before and the potential that was there, but it’s also life.