Pushing through Central Park

September 19, 2012

This week I have the unique opportunity to spend 5 days in New York City. The weather gods must be feeling especially generous because the temperatures are around 70 for the high and 57 for the low the entire week. (Thank you for the relief from the Atlanta humidity!!!) So what did I do immediately after landing at LaGuardia? Scurried into the city as fast as I could to go running in Central Park. Priorities, right?

If you’ve never been running in Central Park, put it on your running bucket list. There are 2 places in NYC that I think are magnificent for running: the West Side Highway and Central Park. The surroundings are just beautiful, and there are so many fit people running and cycling it almost makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a race.

Mr. rUnladylike joined me for the run. While in theory the idea of running with my husband is nice, it’s rarely the case in reality (sorry, Mr. rUnladylike!). For one, he’s faster than me, so it makes me angry (and admittedly a little bummed out about my pace) when I see him slowing down in front of me so I can catch up. The good thing is that he pushes the pace, which pushes me to go faster than I would by myself. But in the moment, while I’m struggling as he’s singing along to his iPod, it’s enough to make me want to stop in my tracks (or go on a separate route). But when it was all said and done, I ran the fastest 7 miles I’ve run in quite some time, and I have him to thank.

Was it a walk in the (central) park as they say? No. Today’s run, although strong and quick, was not easy. It took me about 2 miles to get into the groove to the point where my legs were no longer feeling heavy. I was uncomfortable the entire time. I guess the handful of miles in the 7:50s will do that.

To help get me through, I was reflecting on an article by Greg McMillan (yes, the same McMillan behind the great pace calculator) in the most recent issue of Running Times. He shared his 5 steps for having an amazing race and going from better to your best. One of the things he shared was about the voice in our head that tells us to back off when things get tough. He advised that in order to truly run better, we have to get better at ignoring this voice and continuing to push even as it gets louder and louder when we get more fatigued. I kept thinking about that as I was running. I was hurting pushing the pace up the hills and I kept thinking about how I could keep pushing despite the voice that really wanted me to give up.

I beat the voice, but not the wrath it left in my mind. I sort of had a mental break-down after the run. I began second-guessing my marathon goals and my training based on how I felt and what I’ve been doing … How on Earth will I be able to maintain an 8:44 pace over 26.2 miles? Has the focus on my half Ironman next weekend jeopardized all 3 sports? Have I been doing just enough swimming, biking and running to get all 3 in versus really getting better in all 3, including running?

Re-enter Mr. rUnladylike. The guy who I don’t always like running with brought me back to a running zen. He reminded me that I’ve been working harder than ever, but that I’m also living my life ­– not making running (and triathlon) my life. He reminded me that we just ran 7 miles at an 8:17 pace and that it was a beautiful day in a beautiful place with beautiful weather. And he was right.

It wasn’t a walk in the park. But it was a run in the park that I pushed through. And learned from.

 

Have you ever been running in Central Park? What do you do to combat the evil voices in your head during a tough run?

 

Comments

Elena

Sounds Fabulous!!! I cannot wait to run in central park this weekend! My goal is to make it there for runs both Saturday and Sunday morning. Will have to be early, but it will be worth it!

rUnladylike

I’m planning to run early Saturday morning on the West Side Highway! Want to join me?

Lisa @ RunWiki

Sounds like an incredible day. I think the most difficult part of running is learning to ignore that voice. There are certain times in your life when it is louder than others. Whenever I am going through something difficult in my life the voice can get louder. Isn’t funny how when you stop running say after 7 brutal miles at a fast pace that you almost instantly forget the hurt and are proud of your achievement? Think that’s what keep us coming back for more, the feeling of being proud of yourself outweighs the the dark voice in our head. Enjoy the rest of your time in NYC!

Norma C.

Actually, some of us locals are partial to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. 😉 You should come on over sometime!

rUnladylike

Ooh! I’d love to!!!

Kate

I’ve walked there, but never run. And well done on that run! That’s tough – especially when you know someone is having a fairly easy time of it and you aren’t. The ignoring that voice tip is fantastic – I need to do much more of that!

Harold

Like you I got to cross Central Park off my Bucket List this year and it was enjoyable run. It felt like I was running in a continuous road race, with other runners around me most of the time.

The negative voices in my head – like the song Some days you are the bug and some days you are the windshield :-). Some days I can beat the voices and some days well, they do better than I do, which sucks after the run is over and you know that you could have done better. But I try not to dwell on the bad days and remember the great days!

rUnladylike

Harold, I completely agree with you on all counts. We have to take what we learn from the bad runs and use that to make the next runs better 🙂

Dacia

I have never ran through Central Park but I will definitely put it on my bucket list. My husband and I never run ‘together’ either since his mile pace is easily 3+ minutes faster than mine- and that’s his slowest to my fastest. But one day maybe I will be able to use him to help me push myself the way you and Mr. did. That’s really great that you have someone so supportive of you and your goals and helps you realize how amazingly well you are doing. I am so excited to read all about the tri and the marathon because I know they will be amazing experiences for you. Good luck in both and enjoy NY!

rUnladylike

Thank you SO much Dacia for your encouragement and kind words. Good luck with keeping up with your hubby 🙂

Laura McLauchlin

Ha! I ran with Matt yesterday, who like Fran is way faster than me! What I do is ask him about whatever case he is working on, and he drones on and on about implied warranties and international trade law, which slows him down a little and keeps me from having to add to the conversation (since I can barely breath!).

Adrienne

I’m new to running and the voice is 97% of the battle for me. I just try to tell myself that if you listen to that voice you will be disappointed at the end of your run that you didn’t push yourself harder. I like knowing in the end I beat the voice. I do a lot of “hey you, shut up, keep running…just keep running”

rUnladylike

Adrienne, Welcome to the running community! I couldn’t agree more with you. Great thoughts! Thank you for sharing.

Kat

Those are both of my favorite places to run in NYC too! I just wish it wasn’t so expensive to visit 😉