Note:
USA’s was over a week ago, and a lot of people have been tiptoeing around me like I’m going to jump off a bridge; but I can happily report that I’m alive and well. Now I’m in Europe about to chronicle this year’s edition of “ALF Overseas.” About 3500 of you followed along on the first edition, providing entertaining commentary along the way, and I trust this summer will be even better. But first, I want to wrap up my whopping two-race American track season with some thoughts on Nationals (which requires a brief flashback to 2010).
Part 1 of 2
The Backstory:
It was only one year ago that I was talking about how awesome my balls were on ESPN.
(If you don’t know the back-story, a huge move with 600 meters to go in the 5k resulted in a surprise victory at the USA Championships.)
I’ll never forget how impossible it was to sleep the night after the race as countless thoughts that led to that moment passed through my mind: barely missing the Olympic Team in 2008; the feelings of betrayal associated with the whole thing; the foot injury from hell that followed and the 18 months of stop-and-start recovery that prevented me from redeeming myself; the financial stress of being an out-of-work pro runner; Mark Rowland’s patience; how hard running is when you are out of shape; all the hours of physio; eating humble pie; the encouraging words; finding a deeper purpose in my running; learning to believe again….
…All of those experiences built toward that special moment with 600 meters to go when I saw a chance to win, and I went for it. As I took the lead and sprinted like a crazy person, all I could feel was the inertia of movement and a blaring commitment to draining every ounce of power from my aching muscles. But in addition to that, I was also sprinting for my way of life, for my health insurance, for my sponsorship, for the chance to continue doing what I love. After four years without a national title and a string of bad luck, to put it bluntly, that race saved my career.
After winning USA’s, I couldn’t wait to share my excitement with everyone. This blog had just started to develop a big following in the months prior. I wrote about my experiences as I built up my fitness and mentality one brick at a time, and the words I heard from my community along the way became the mortar holding it all together. It truly felt like a shared journey.
Big Plans for 2011:
Going into the 2011 season, I couldn’t wait to write about something other than recovering from injury and climbing out of a deep dark pit. As much as I enjoyed the writing and sharing in 2010, I was ready to write about something else. For example, there is a level of performance that can only surface after significant obstacles try to tear down your spirit. You emerge (or so I’ve heard) from the other side into a purple patch, where it seems you can do no wrong for a while. After such a rough go for so long, I couldn’t wait to experience all the upcoming goodness I was sure to have, and write about it!
Sure I’d have “problems” to write about too: there will always be challenges. But I imagined they would be things like coping with pressure, or staying motivated, or what to cook for dinner.
Read Part 2: Reality Bites, (and I Bite Back)
1. 8th place ain’t too shabby with what your limited training time.
2. You are a baller for having 3500 blog followers
3. I feel like a loser always being the first to comment but wtv otherwise I’ll forget.
4. Did you bring a stash of picky bars to Europe? If so, you could rock Europe with the gluten free goodness. Just saying.
5. Good luck!
hey, at the very least–you were racing at USA’s this year! go get em!
Sometimes, just being at a starting line is courageous enough. An injury takes time to heal. Many training days are missed. Even when it’s healed, it still takes time for an athlete to get back to its old shape. I wish others would understand that. It was a great race and everyone in it gave it their heart’s best.
Lauren,
You provide a unique perspective to running…”sprinting for my way life,for my health insurance, for my sponsorship, for the chance to continue doing what I love.”.. that us mere mortals don’t face as we decide whether to head out the door for that 5 miler.
I appreciate the healthy perspective you bring to your running and your life, even as you pursue the challenges of continuing to be an elite athlete. I look forward to following your progress towards 2012 and wish success along the way. The same to Jesse also!
Thanks Rick. There is definitely an added element of pressure amongst the pros regarding making a living, but the ironic thing is that I don’t run well when making a living comes before enjoying what I do. My best races come when I’m tuned into the basics of simply doing my best for the sake of it.
wait, in that race, did the commentator say you were a standout at the University of Oregon??
It just occurred to me that maybe toeing the line in this year’s USA Championships, with such limited training and battle-testing behind you, took as much (or more) balls as making that move with 600m to go in the race last year. Fantastic that you are now storming Europe with your improving fitness. Keep sending these dispatches!
I completely agree, David. It’s one thing to not run as well after completing a year of solid, consistent training. I would understand disappointment in that situation. However, that is not the case for Lauren. Getting consistent training in can be one of the hardest things to do in running. Remaining healthy is not about guts, but (a lot of the time) it’s about luck. Eating right, warming up properly, sleeping, etc. are all important when it comes to maintaining good health, but sometimes you still find yourself getting sick or injured. Bouncing back from such setbacks shows character, and Lauren, I think you are still on your way to making a tremendous comeback.
Lauren,
I cannot help but root for you. Your blog is great. I hope you stay healthy and are able to see how far your body can take you.
Best wishes,
Bob
I agree with this – it’s exactly what I thought while I was watching the race: “toeing the line in this year’s USA Championships, with such limited training and battle-testing behind you, took as much (or more) balls as making that move with 600m to go in the race last year.” To “limited training and battle-testing” I would also add the pressure of having won last year. True, as a professional runner you have different standards than the rest of us, but still – please don’t underestimate what you accomplished. Running that race, finishing that race and running the time that you did are all pretty badass and downright amazing accomplishments. Really. I for one cannot wait to hear how your European season goes!
And yeah, the guy did say you were a standout at the University of Oregon. Doh!
Finally: Picky Bars in Europe? Jawohl! (=”sign me up!” 😀 )
That move was balls indeed. Love the look on Barringer’s face right after: “What the hell dude?”
That’s a genuinely imrpisseve answer.