Getting back on the horse
Since I began writing this blog I've had the privilege of meeting runners of all ages, talent levels, and experiences from all over the world. I've noticed a lot of similarities between us all, regardless of whether they were a casual runner, or shooting for the next Olympic trials. Another fact that had come to my attention, disturbingly, was that I seemed to be the only runner that constantly "falls off the horse," as it were.
At the beginning of the year, I managed to rack up more mileage in the first two months than I ever had in such a short time span before. I was looking forward to the challenge this year from Jenny, (though it would probably be the end of the year before either of us hit our number mark that the challenge was based on) future races, and smashing old prs. But, somewhere along the way...I lost motivation. Did I need the competition? Was I burned out? Was my body rejecting the exercise in favor of cheeseburgers?
While I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, while I was looking over at last years running records, I realized that the same thing happened then. I ran the Rec run, did poorly, and then came back for Bright Night 5k. Somehow, I don't remember getting back on track being this hard though. Doing a run here or there, seems to take much longer than it used to, and whats worse is remembering the level of fitness I had before I started slacking. Between that and the amount of weight I had put on by eating like I was still running said mileage, I was getting pretty disappointed with my workouts and the results. I found myself ending up kinda like a late night workout infomercial in reverse.
Worried that my slump might be a result of burnout, I began to look at ways I was spending my time, and a good chuck of it was still dominated by watching clips of runners, reading magazines or books devoted to the sport, etc. So, at least I was good there. I decided to investigate further by laying on the couch and eating chips, reasoning that it might be wiser to think about why I wasn't running than actually get out there. And after I ran out of junk food and attempted to force myself to the kitchen to get more it dawned on me. Much like getting off the couch and into the kitchen (I gave up and decided that pressing play to watch the next episode of 'The Office' on netflix was wayyyyy easier) I wasn't getting out there because it wasn't easy. I also didn't have any immediate motivation in terms of a race or a challenge. For some time I had tied my running workouts to pr's, victories, and always, always, always being better than the last run. Logically, I knew that this could not always be the case, but for the past year or so, I had pr'd at almost every race, and consistently won age division awards. Without the constant need to push, or a challenge to beat I felt my desire to work hard ebb like the ocean at low tide. And if I wasn't going out there to work hard, what was I doing?
After some soul searching, (the remote ended up being to far away and the auto play option was disabled.) I realized that what I had forgotten about running was simply how much fun it could be to go out for a run! (especially with friends) To just enjoy the feeling of moving. Of the wind blowing around you, or even attempting to push you back as you speed along. The feeling of your feet pulling the earth back and propelling yourself forward whether it be on asphalt or dirt. The hum of your shoulders, legs, arms and feet all working in harmony as you push your body up and over a hill and then fly down the other side. That's what I had forgotten about. And while I most assuredly haven't given up my love for a challenge and desire for victory, I have rediscovered what attracted me to the sport in the first place.
I hope anyone and everyone out there has the chance at some point on the road or trails, the flats or the mountains to get out there on a run and really remember what made them fall in love with it in the first place. And if you're still a newbie who hasn't slipped into an affair with running yet, I'll go ahead and let you in on a secret. Running allows you to eat more #burritos. And after all, isn't THAT the real reason we do anything in this crazy world?
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| Go ahead, bring it in your house....its not like its filled with a Lilliputian army ready to destroy you or anything. |
At the beginning of the year, I managed to rack up more mileage in the first two months than I ever had in such a short time span before. I was looking forward to the challenge this year from Jenny, (though it would probably be the end of the year before either of us hit our number mark that the challenge was based on) future races, and smashing old prs. But, somewhere along the way...I lost motivation. Did I need the competition? Was I burned out? Was my body rejecting the exercise in favor of cheeseburgers?
While I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, while I was looking over at last years running records, I realized that the same thing happened then. I ran the Rec run, did poorly, and then came back for Bright Night 5k. Somehow, I don't remember getting back on track being this hard though. Doing a run here or there, seems to take much longer than it used to, and whats worse is remembering the level of fitness I had before I started slacking. Between that and the amount of weight I had put on by eating like I was still running said mileage, I was getting pretty disappointed with my workouts and the results. I found myself ending up kinda like a late night workout infomercial in reverse.
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After some soul searching, (the remote ended up being to far away and the auto play option was disabled.) I realized that what I had forgotten about running was simply how much fun it could be to go out for a run! (especially with friends) To just enjoy the feeling of moving. Of the wind blowing around you, or even attempting to push you back as you speed along. The feeling of your feet pulling the earth back and propelling yourself forward whether it be on asphalt or dirt. The hum of your shoulders, legs, arms and feet all working in harmony as you push your body up and over a hill and then fly down the other side. That's what I had forgotten about. And while I most assuredly haven't given up my love for a challenge and desire for victory, I have rediscovered what attracted me to the sport in the first place.
I hope anyone and everyone out there has the chance at some point on the road or trails, the flats or the mountains to get out there on a run and really remember what made them fall in love with it in the first place. And if you're still a newbie who hasn't slipped into an affair with running yet, I'll go ahead and let you in on a secret. Running allows you to eat more #burritos. And after all, isn't THAT the real reason we do anything in this crazy world?
 |
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