That’s what my high school cross country coach used to call out to me as I ran past him, face grimacing, during track workouts. Although some might disagree, I believe that there is a level of discomfort that, if one is willing to endure, results in strength. This holds true on many levels — not just running.
Now, I am not avocating an outright disconnect with your body. I firmly believe in listening to the signals your body puts out to warn you to stop what you are doing less injury follow. Take my knee for example. The pain was not excrutiating but I knew that it wasn’t your routine I’ve-run-hard-therefore-I-hurt type pain. It was different. After a week of cross training, I did a short easy run and was absolutely in heaven. I LOVE RUNNING!
During the run, my knee held up. Following the run, my gastrocnemius tightened even more than it’s always-tight state. It was enough to finally call my massage therapist friend, Racquel for some intervention. Of course, the two had nothing to do with one another but I thank my body for sending a signal that I would react to.
In addition to my ailing gastroc, Racquel worked on my IT band and my hamistrings (which were apparently so tight that she gave me a little scolding for not noticing). These, were mostly likely the reason for my knee pain. I’d been focused on my gastrocs.
This muscle work is NOT your fluffy, pamper me sort of massage. She HURT ME. But now I feel pretty good — relatively speaking. In this situation, the torture session (pain) will lead to me gaining control of my training again (hence, the title). At least, I hope it does.
Tomorrow, I get to run again. I can’t wait.
Good for you!! I’m taking a week off as my aches are a concern as well…bummer but that’s just how it is sometimes!
I think its good to take a step out of our comfort zone from time to time, whether it is with sports or other things in life. You are so right about listening to the body signals, most of the time injury arises when we don’t heed these warnings.
“Tomorrow, I get to run again. I can’t wait.”, you are beginning to sound like me (and I think that’s a good thing :-)
My coach sez pushing past the pain is all about setting new upper limits. I totally agree, but let’s not be stoooopid :-)