Some might say I’m a little too competitive. I say competition is healthy. A part of life. Possibly not a part of everyone’s life…but definitely part of mine.
I initiated a dating contest. Try to beat my friends when we do “fun runs.” Drive without stopping – for hundreds of miles – because I don’t want to risk having to re-pass someone I already outmaneuvered. I Captain a dodgeball team – and cut players who don’t show enough initiative or dedication. Push my mileage too far (and too fast) due to a new half-marathon goal I randomly set.
After the fifth stress fracture in four years (plus a sprained foot), I decided to relook at this whole healthy competition concept. At least when it comes to running. And initiated the Be Less Competitive (BLC) initiative.
In support of BLC, I now keep track of my miles – down to the 0.01 – on my training log. Strictly adhere to the “10% increase per week” rule. Calculate how many miles are on my shoes. And restarted my strength training program.
So far, I’m finding it all to be very relaxing.
Yesterday I asked my friend what she wanted for her birthday. She requested a “birthday workout” in the form of a long-ish run after work. I agreed, after a quick mental review of my running calendar and remaining weekly mileage.
Heading out for our warmup today, I realized that I’d forgotten she’s fast. And small. And also competitive. And hadn’t had a stress fracture over the winter. I’d always nearly (but silently) killed myself when running with her before…so she expected a traditionally hard, fast run. All of which fell squarely on the “Signs of Regression” list in my trusty BLC Handbook.
But since it was her birthday, I decided one hard run wouldn’t be a major setback. Considered adding regression clarifications to the BLC Handbook (since I wrote it myself). And vowed to keep up.
It took about two minutes for me to decide against such clarifications. I clearly wasn’t fit enough to chase her at race speed for 4.5 miles. Especially since I still had vice grips hanging from my abs (see Soreness Inventory – Week 2). So I slowed down. Just a little. In the name of BLC.
Upon slowing, I learned she liked to be about two strides ahead. If I let her creep ahead, her pace would plateau to maintain the two-stride gap. Which was cool – her competitive side was showing itself. My competitive side acknowledged, and chose to observe the subliminal interaction rather than challenge her pace.
But it was difficult. I wanted to run faster. Push harder. Be the one that was two strides ahead. Take the lead.
And this was after five minutes. I still had 35 more to get through.
Fortuitously, I’d tied my left shoelaces too tight. So as the run continued, my foot first felt hot…then big…then tingly…then three of my five toes went numb. I tracked my foot’s progression and wondered what sort of permanent damage might be occurring. But at least it kept me from hyperfocusing on my friend’s back. Which helped me stay at an appropriate pace. Even though it hurt my pride a little.
Clearly, today was a milestone for BLC.
And even better, by avoiding injury this week I’ll be more fit in a month or so…at which point I’ll be able to cut that two-stride deficit back down to zero.
Every day another story -
Sofie
