This morning I ran for the first time since August 23rd. It was almost a month! I took a break from running because of my left shin. I think it was a little more serious than shin splints, maybe more like a slight fracture. It was hard taking a break, so thankfully we had the canoe trip in the middle of that break because I couldn't really run then anyway. I've also come to some realizations in the last month about running. 1. I run because I enjoy it. It's for me. Not for anyone else. Sure, I am thankful for the pats on the back and the congrats on miles ran, but ultimately I need to do it for the pure enjoyment of running. Does that make sense? 2. You may notice that I took the Daily Mile feature off of my blog. I didn't want that to become a distraction. I want to run for me and for the pure enjoyment, without thinking about posting it somewhere. I do post my runs, but now it's a completely personal log. And I love that! 3. I love my Nike + ipod, but I need to use it to encourage, not to push me faster/farther than my body wants to go. I understand the need to challenge myself, but I think I got to a point where I wasn't going to be satisfied unless I beat a personal record almost each time I ran. Shin splints come from running too fast, too soon, too far. So this morning I set the Nike + to run 2 miles. I ran 2.14 miles. I ran as slow as possible. I really wanted to push myself more, but I knew I needed to take it really easy. It's going to be easy for awhile, until I'm 100% sure my body (shins) can handle it--and then I will push myself harder. It's frustrating because my body and mind want to go faster and farther, but I can't right now. It's a bummer, but I just need to keep on keeping on. I never ever thought I would feel this way about running.
On Saturday I was at a friend's house and they had the June 2010 issue of Runner's magazine. I devoured it in one sitting. I felt my body screaming..."let me run!" I picked up the latest issue of the magazine yesterday. I'm awe-inspired of those who have ran marathons, who run while pregnant, etc. I'm not sure if I will ever run a marathon, but it would be super cool. Quent knows of a lady we will call "Grandma Claus" who ran a marathon at age 71. WOW! I want to do that!
After my run today I was driving home and my body felt so relaxed it felt like I was in a cloud. It was wonderful!
Have you done something wonderful today?
2 comments:
Well I have always loved working out, but when I had kids...I kind of stopped! So I get in moods where I want to get toned and healthy and then I do TOO much and end up hurting myself! So I know what you mean there. I was in a good routine of working out this summer and trying not to over do it and then I got busy with the kids and hurt my foot and kind of stopped. (And made lots of excuses!) I even had the whole family doing it! Thanks for the inspiration to get back out there and try it again! :)
I know what you mean about the running. I always end up planning training plans rather than just enjoying it :). Trying to get back to that and work at a gradual build-up of running time.
I'm on Daily Mile too, so if you'd like to share (in a completely relaxed manner, of course!) I've sent you a friend request
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