I get frustrated that I'm not very good at running. Then I remind myself that I've never stuck with it enough. And then I question how much does one have to stick with it because even if I get pretty good about going out 2-3 times a week for a month or more, I don't feel like I really see much improvement.
Toward the end of the summer I decided to say goodbye to running and started going to the apartment's gym. As it got colder and darker in the morning, I exchanged that for the 30 Day Shred. My hate for push-ups and my growing dislike for the sound of Jillian's voice and wretched workout video phrases like, "Abs like this don't come for free." or "That is fear leaving the body!" are making me feel like I need a new workout alternative.
And oddly enough, I find that I miss running.
I feel strong when I run. Even when old men pass me on the sidewalk (and they do), I love the feeling of the pavement passing away underneath my shoes. Feeling that I'm strong enough to carry myself this distance on my own. Sometimes there's an uncomfortable pain (at which point I start power walking and trying not to feel too ridiculous), but sometimes there's the amazing feeling of tension in my muscles, knowing that they're working and getting stronger.
Lee got up and went running with me Thursday morning. I appreciate it so much because I don't want to run alone in the dark, and Lee, being a long-time runner, could easily run MUCH faster (like a seven-minute mile). But he runs at my slow pace, extra early so I can still wash and style my hair for work, because he is awesome.
My first mile time? 12:20. But it felt amazing.
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8 comments:
We should keep ourselves motivated together! I have this same relationship with running. Right now, I am tending more towards the love.
At one point (last October) was running 5 to 7 miles at once with a pace of under 10 min/mile. This was my peak. Then I started slacking and didn't run until about two weeks ago. I am currently trying to build my milage again (2-4 miles per run). I am with you, it's hard to stay motivated but the feeling after a run? It's the most amazing feeling ever!
I'm so addicted to running... there just isn't any other sport that makes me feel so accomplished! I think my love for it came from the fact that I did it because I wanted to be a runner rather than needed to get into shape. At this point, I can't imagine going more than a couple days without it :).
Do you ever enter races (5k, 10k, etc)? Training for something really keeps me excited about what I'm doing.
Stefanie -- Bloggy running support group might be a wonderful idea! We could have start a 20sb group or have a little thing in the side bar. Hmm...
Kasey -- I have thought about signing up for a 5K, but I keep waiting until I get "good" at running. Perhaps I should just sign up and see what happens.
I would actually died if I tried to run as far as a mile lol. I walked a 5km thingy to raise sponsorship for Cancer Research. I ran the last little bit in a kinda crossing the finish line kinda way - I also nearly ran into my Dad who was at the finish line taking my photo.
It's great that you run. For some reason I get pain in my feet when I run, so I prefer swimming but running is so convenient - you can do it anywhere, anytime and it's free. Maybe I should persist and get some better shoes :)
Shoes are very important, but at least that's generally all you need. I think it's about time for me to get a new pair, but I'd rather spend the money on cute shoes. Oh well. ;)
Katie - I just recently started following your blog and I can really relate to this post! I've become a "runner" in some sense of the word in the past few months when I've never really done it more than sporadically. I find that training for a specific goal (like the Lexington Half Marathon) makes it easier to push another mile or at least get out of bed an hour earlier that I'd like.
Maybe signing up for a race would be a good idea...hmm...
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