Monday, May 5, 2014

Birds of a feather...

I work with a few different coaches as it takes a village to raise this child! Two of three coaches posted this on their Facebook profiles within days of each other.

As much as endurance training is an individual activity, having friends who understand why you are going to bed early, why you aren't going out drinking, why you need to nap in the middle of the afternoon (that might just be me after a long ride), etc; is very helpful.

When I first started running I posted each and every run on Facebook. It was new, exciting, life altering. But when running became my norm, I stopped. I figured posting about a run (unless there was something unique about it) on Facebook was like posting I ate lunch. It's just something I do.
This is supposed to be funny to all my friends who do post their workouts on FB!!!!
(I will have to see if my friend count drops after I publish this blog.)
My friend Bex introduced me to DailyMile. What's great about DailyMile is no one there makes a comment like, "I'm tired just reading about your run." or "I don't even like to drive that far." And when I have doubts about my ability to complete a new event or distance, no one says "You are smart for having doubts about doing, (insert event here). That is crazy." For me, it is my happy place to post when things go right and when things go wrong. You can see my posts or add me as a friends on DailyMile if you choose.

Don't mistake my intentions of this blog, my non-endurance friends have been incredibly supportive of my new (is new the right word since I've been running for almost 3 years now?) lifestyle. Truth be told, without their help, I wouldn't have won the Training Peaks contest and I wouldn't be training for IMFL. I think, hope, it is because I encourage anyone who want to get started but don't make them feel less for thinking I'm crazy. I still post about workouts on Facebook when a new milestone is hit or I look particularly rough after it. I just don't post each one. This is my personal decision, but I think it helps me get support when I need it.

I love and cherish all my friends for what they bring to my life. Those that will run, bike, and swim with me as well as my friends who are just as happy to not do any of those things with me are just as important.



I'm rambling. I think I need food. You know, cause everyone eats every 2-3 hours just like an infant!
P.S. I LOVE reading your comments either here or on Facebook.







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4 comments:

  1. Ron HarrisonMay 5, 2014 at 11:07 AM

    VERY well stated, Shawna! I consider myself a very social triathlete. I simply LOVE working out with others. I find it sometimes odd to call it being social, though. After all, during a swim... not much talking. During a bike ride... can't really hear because of the wind, so not much talking. During a run... can't breathe, so not much talking. LOL! Ah, but for those cherished moments before and after where we can talk and, most importantly, to share the journey/pain/elation with someone else... THAT is where it's at!

    Loving your blog! Happy training and keep up the good work!

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    1. Shawna GrayMay 5, 2014 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you Ron! My newest training buddy and I have no intention of ever actually getting to ride together, but we will get to say hi, be on the same course, and even grab lunch together after.

      Delete
  2. Janie CrouchMay 5, 2014 at 4:34 PM

    Hahahaha. I remember the days when I used to post every run on FB. I also used DM for a while too, but it became too time consuming. Now I just hope people won't unfriend me for posting my weekly training report. :)

    Isn't it funny how, to non-running peeps, running 2-3 miles makes you a rock star, but tell them you ran 10 miles and they think you're a complete freak... Go figure.

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    Replies
    1. Shawna GrayMay 5, 2014 at 7:24 PM

      I'm going to run 10 miles before work one day this week. I am a complete freak!

      Delete

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