My dad used to be a pretty good golfer before an old rugby
injury and an iffy back caused him to retire from the sport way too early. We always used to wait in anticipation as he
came back from the local golf club’s weekly competitions to see what prize he’s
won; and, trust me, most of the prizes were good. He used to drive (and still does) a tiny, red
little 1984 Renault around town, and also to the golf course, and I remember
him returning home from a golfing competition one day with that little red car literally
packed to the roof with all kinds of groceries that he’s won. We couldn’t stop giggling.
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Me and the golf meister. |
Anyway, it was during those glory days of his golfing career
that my dad frequently used to say that no-one is golf’s boss: One day you play
like a champion, and the next day you play like a shoemaker (Dad's words). And yesterday on my (ridiculously horrendous)
run, I realised that running is pretty much the same: You can be a runner for years and years and
years – you’ll still have off days when your runs absolutely suck. Like mine did yesterday.
Will and I headed out with both kids in the double stroller
after work. Miss K insisted on running
alongside the stroller for the first 100 metres or so, and even while jogging
next to her at our mama-daughter happy pace, my body loudly protested. I could just feel that it was going to
hurt. And it did. After K got into the stroller, I lasted an
entire 7 minutes and 20 seconds before I had to take a walk break. Oh, the frustration.
I ended up walking the entire way home, feeling, as you can
imagine, extremely disappointed. My goal
10 km race is in less than two weeks’ time… Was it the heat? The time of
day? The fact that Will’s been working
crazy hours and I’ve been on K & J duty pretty much 24/7 for the last couple
of months? I’m not sure. But one thing I do know: Nobody is running’s
boss. There will always be off
days. Fingers crossed that next Saturday is
not one of them for me!
We all have off days Karien, par for the course, but I'm pretty sure you'll soon be firing on all cylinders again - ready for that important 10K. Go for it....
ReplyDeleteI sure hope so, Gordon - many thanks for the good wishes!
DeleteNo expert of golf, but your dad for sure was a champ! And, of course, I know the rugby injures ... I got a broken rib when I was 40. Nobody is running's boss: you are right!
ReplyDeleteSo many guys walk that very same route here in SA, Stefano: Play rugby when they're young, pick up various injuries, and then pay for it when they get older. My dad had to give up both golf and running - and he so enjoyed both.
DeleteHaha you are so right: nobody is running's boss. I'm certainly not.
ReplyDeleteSo frustrating! But part of the challenge, I guess, right?
DeleteYou're right, Karien we all have those days. Just tiny little reminders to cherish the good ones:). I wish you many blissful runs leading up to your 10k!:)
ReplyDeleteSo true, Hailey - the really bad ones make you appreciate the really good ones so much more! Thanks so much for the good wishes - fingers crossed! :)
DeleteOff days are just part of the whole process. If it will make you feel better... most of my terrible days are always followed by some very good days/runs. I'm confident you'll have a super 10km.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Johann - much appreciated. Fingers crossed for Saturday...!
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