Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Running Most Naturally

share a running picture

In my last post on running, I confessed that I hadn't hit the pavement in nearly a month, I shared my revelations about how that made me feel mentally and physically, and I resolved to get back to my training regimen.

Here's the good news: I ran that night - and I've been running ever since.  Here's the somewhat surprising news: I'm not training - and it's glorious.

Since I started running in December 2011, I've been a huge proponent of having goals for my running.  I registered for a race almost immediately after starting Couch 2 5k because I knew that, without a concrete deadline by which I had to run 3.1 miles, I'd slack on the program.  I've signed up for races regularly since then, respectful of the kind of motivation I need to stay healthy and active.

But, strangely, I seem to have switched into a different place, again both mentally and physically, with my running; the last time I ran a race was in mid-February, I missed the one I was supposed to run this past April, I have nothing on the calendar for the next few months, and I'm totally okay with it.  Not only am I okay with it, actually, but I'm running with it.

I've been knotting my sneakers two or three times a week since April 21, heading out for 2.5-4 miles at a time with Charlie.  My runs are entirely guided by how my body feels.  I take it easy if my lungs are struggling a bit with the weather, I push myself if my legs demand a challenge, and I let Charlie pull me up hills instead of rerouting us to flatter roads when we're having a good time.  It just feels really natural.

I guess that's why I haven't been Instagramming (or blogging) about my running since the last Runners Tell All link up.  My running doesn't seem to warrant special attention right now because it doesn't feel special.  It just feels like an unextraordinary part of my life.

And that's why, as I join Amanda and Beka and their friends today in spirit if not in deed, I'm sharing a video of me running for the bus this morning.  On the one hand, I honestly could not have done that before December 2011 and that's something to celebrate!  On the other hand, you can't get much more mundane than trying to get to work on time.  Thank you, running, for being something glorious and something banal at the same time for me right now!



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22 comments:

  1. ha ha! I LOVE that quick video. When I lived in Korea I feel like we OFTEN ran to the bus stop. If we missed it by 1 second the driver would just pass us by while we were trying to flag him down. ha!


    I love your running story. I think it is so good to have seasons where we just run for the sake of running and I think I need to implement that more. I don't have any running races planned because I'm focusing on a crossfit competition right now. However, my body misses running. You totally inspired me with this post so thanks so much!

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  2. Ha! You crack me up. I am in that kind of season right now. I have nothing on the horizon, and it's been nice not to feel like I *have* to run. But it's equally as awesome to know that I am choosing to run without other motivation like a race I'm registered for. And it's no small feat to realize that you couldn't have run for the bus a couple of years ago. I take it for granted that I can jog out to my car and not get winded, but so many people cannot. Loved your video :)

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  3. You are so eloquent and have captured the beauty of running so well! It's hard for me to keep running without a huge motivation set in place (like a race or having to coach), and I'm hoping to remember how to run just for me soon! (Stopping by from Runners Tell All)...xoxo

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  4. I've been having a love-hate relationship with running since the winter. It was so long and cold I never went out... which is weird because usually I don't use that as an excuse. Anyway, I feel ya, and I would say the last month is when I've been able to pick it back up again too. That's the nice thing about running though, you may not always love it, but it loves you ;)
    And it's actually almost more of a release when you aren't training for something... I always find anyway :)

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  5. I actually get out more and exercise when I don't have milestones to hit and I love just being able to enjoy it. And I love love loved your video :)

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  6. I'm feeling much better about running at the moment, although I have to admit that I am not sure I could muster the motivation if I wasn't training. I really admire that! Sounds like you're in a great place. My 10k is this Sunday and fingers crossed I'll get through it without stopping! (It starts and finishes in the Mall and runs along Embankment so at least the views will be amazing!)
    P.s - http://www.justgiving.com/bethhunt10k if any fancies donating to a worthy cause :)

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  7. It is a lovely feeling just to be exercising for the sake of it, not to meet any goals or deadlines: just out running because you know it makes you feel great both during and after the session. Oh the suspense. I'm so glad that video didn't end in the bus pulling away without you!

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  8. I love the video, we have a bus stop right outside our apartment building and everyday I see at least 5 people full on running towards it!

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  9. Love the video! I feel the same way about running right now. Although I do have some races on the books for June (short ones though). I don't feel like sticking to a set schedule, I just want to enjoy it when I am out there. Thanks for sharing :)

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  10. that's definitely how it is in DC! the buses sometimes take people standing at a stop as... a suggestion. ugh!

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  11. YES! it's nice to choose it because it feels good. thank you :)

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  12. I thought I needed that too - and I do to improve, but I'm okay with coasting right now!

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  13. LOVE THAT. "you may not always love it but it loves you." YES!

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  14. hahaha thank you! it got stuck at a red light behind me. I ran for nothing in the end!

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  15. sometimes the short ones are the most fun, I find!

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  16. Scott jokes that he started his running program by sprinting between the subway and his train home when we were in New York. I haven't had to do that - my current obstacle is the massive hill I have to hike up after parking in the boonies at work. It keeps me running, because when I don't run, that dang hill kicks the wind out of me and I climb to the top, panting like I've just summited Mt. Everest.

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  17. I hope you do a triumphant Rocky raised-arms thing when you get to the top :P

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  18. Do I have to do the dance and punch thing too?

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