Ricole Runs (Sometimes): Everyone Else

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Everyone Else

Everyone else is running high mileage.
Everyone else is racing.
Everyone else is getting faster, and everyone else has brand spankin' new PR's to prove it. My PR's, on the other hand, sit dusty and old on a shelf, reeking of 2010.
Everyone else does speedwork successfully week after week.
Everyone else is healthy.

No one else is injured.
No one else is getting slower instead of faster.
No one else has been struggling with a hamstring issue for months.

I know these things aren't all true, but it sure is easy to let these thoughts in. Especially when all your twitter friends, Nuun Hood to Coast teammates, and local running buddies are running the NYC Marathon, running ultra marathons, getting marathon PRs, dominating half Ironmans, prepping for full Ironmans, winning 50 mile races, coming back from injuries better than ever, and / or running 3 marathons in 9 days.

It's not that I'm feeling sorry for myself. Or is it? Maybe it's just a Monday.

Comments (21)

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Michelle · 650 weeks ago

I can confirm that I am not running high mileage OR getting faster -- and it I will commiserate with you on that! Sometimes it's good to feel sorry for yourself - and when you are recovered just remember this feeling!! Heal hamstring, heal! :(
My recent post Busy Week

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tashamalcolm 91p · 650 weeks ago

I have been on the pity party train for 6 months chica. Trust me, it freakin sucks. Do you have any idea how bad I want to run a 1/2 marathon or a marathon right now??? Heck, would take a 10K at this point. So ready to be over this whole being injured fiasco!
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Steph · 650 weeks ago

Cheer up Nicole! I completely understand where you are coming from though. Being injured sucks balls and having everyone around you running and racing doesn't help one bit.

You will get through your injury, just try to relax and focus on getting better. You want to run for the rest of your life, not just right now.

Also, you're still WAY faster than me! :)

My recent post Marathon Fears

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runbirdierun 41p · 650 weeks ago

Remember the running blog trap??? It can be deadly. I know how you feel, and I also know that when you're all better and gettting faster and PR'ing and logging insane mileage, you're going to be a) so very envied and b) you'll be so empathetic for everyone who is injured, resting, etc. It's always easier to see things in retrospect, but just remember that it's all relative—you've got the motivation and the work ethic to do it all, and sometimes patience pays off more than anything else—despite how much the waiting game blows. I BELIEVE IN YOU. Also, plan for January: Bachelor on Friday nights (sorry husbands, boyfriends, etc.) along with carb loading for group long runs on Saturdays? Okay good see you there.
My recent post Running Quiz!

2 replies · active 650 weeks ago

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ricoleruns 72p · 650 weeks ago

Awwww thanks for the motivation! You're the best. It just seems like sooo long since I've been capable of a PR, with so many little injuries in between!

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LindsayOnTheGo · 650 weeks ago

Yes!! Best Friday nights ever. I am SO looking forward to January. We might as well turn them into sleepovers so we can all go running together Saturday mornings. :)
My recent post How to Survive a 50k

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pensive pumpkin · 650 weeks ago

I even feel this way when I look at my training plan. I should be doing more, but when I try it just hurts. I am in no condition to PR a race next month, and I have to come to terms with that. It sucks.
My recent post C2H12: Halloween Was Cancelled (Take 2)

1 reply · active 650 weeks ago

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ricoleruns 72p · 650 weeks ago

Not getting PRs is the worst.�

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runfundone 65p · 650 weeks ago

This is the silliest thing I've ever read. Next post: All the GREAT things about being injured. Ready...go!
My recent post To PT or not to PT

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Jamie · 650 weeks ago

I'm sorry that you are dealing with this! My husband is actually having some hip issues since our marathon (which he DNF'd) and he is a little bit worried.

I hope that you heal quickly!
My recent post I am a Planner

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elizabeth · 650 weeks ago

my friend, you are too kind. what you don’t know is how i broke down and cried after that race because of how hard it was. How I am so bummed to have lost all of that fitness and speed. how running isn’t “easy” anymore. I feel like I am starting over. And it kinda sucks. So, I DO completely understand. I want the pre-injured me back asap. I know you will get through it. I learned this weekend to stop comparing myself-i was somewhat envious of the success around me but was reminded by some wise ladies that I will get there-in due time-just gotta believe. And i think the same for you. HUGS.
My recent post Behind the Scenes at Runner’s World

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Laura · 650 weeks ago

You should hear the crazy thoughts running through my head re: MCM. You will get through this and you will come back stronger. I PROMISE.
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H Love · 650 weeks ago

Chin up! It really could be much worse. :) Speedy healing friend.
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Kerrie T. · 650 weeks ago

That's rough. So been there.
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XLMIC · 650 weeks ago

You should read my blog. It will make you feel better :P

Hope you are feeling healthy and sunshiny soon!
My recent post Darth Vader drives a minivan

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ptcher13 52p · 650 weeks ago

Awe, friend. I hope you are feeling better now that it is almost Friday. Once you get that damn hammy better your are going to be back out KILLING it and getting PR's of your own. Ahem...Eugene!
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Kasey · 650 weeks ago

We all have to slow down at times- I just had my gallbladder out, so that meant 6 days in a row with NO EXERCISE OF ANY KIND! It would have been 7 but I *might* have set a crazy early alarm so I could get in a quick 5K and eat breakfast before that "No food for 8 hours prior" time hit.
Before you know it, you'll be back to running full-tilt, and I'll be the one sitting here in Indiana thinking, "Damn, that Ricole is so lucky. She gets to do the coolest races- like Hood to Coast, Seattle RnR, and don't get me started about that beer garden she posted about...."
It's all about perspective!
This, too, shall pass.
My recent post :D

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Rachael · 650 weeks ago

I ENVY YOU. YOU are MY awesome running friend. And always an inspiration to me.

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Lisa · 650 weeks ago

I hear you! I not only compare myself to my blogging friends, but my real friends as well. All my running buddies PR'd during their fall marathons where I had a personal worst. One friend, who I paced for a 2 hour half marathon 6 months ago, qualified for Boston in her FIRST marathon.

I am trying to move forward and look only at myself.

YOU are an inspiration to so many runners. Comparing yourself doesn't help anyone. But you are right...this too shall pass.
My recent post Rave Run: Pineridge Fort Collins

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Dawn · 649 weeks ago

My PRs, too, reek of 2010. I've been struggling to get back to that point for a year and a half and still haven't made it, mostly because I haven't been able to get into a consistent groove with school's ever-changing schedule. In fact, I'm back to starting at square one. Again.

What I'm saying is, you're not alone. And you'll get back to being speedy and racking up the miles soon. I promise.
My recent post One Step Closer

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Erika · 649 weeks ago

You are way too kind...thank you for the shout out above - I appreciate it!
And please, don't get down on yourself ! You have done some amazing things despite being injured and dealing with a lot of crapola. You should feel proud of yourself - and need a remind you you just ran like a billion miles on the trail a couple of weeks ago?! Ok, I know it was like 22 but STILL! I couldn't run .2 on a trail without falling on my head. Kudos to you!
I look forward to being your biggest cheerleader as soon as you're back 100% and I can live vicariously through you :)
My recent post Ironman Training Week 42 - Highs and Lows

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