Kicking Asphalt
October 12, 2013
Next weekend I’m running in a half marathon. I ran one in 2008 with my sister Becky and found it to be one of the most empowering things I had done for myself. So thinking I needed a reminder of that feeling, I signed up again. Five years ago my
kids were just little bits playing recreational sports and taking dance. This time around there is a lot more juggling involved and I haven’t trained near as thoroughly as I should have been, skipping my cross training days all together. I am paying for it with soreness and swelling and some of my runs have been harder than I feel like they should be. I have all my long training runs completed and now just tapering down before the big race. I’ve had a great time running with my sister and my two “besties” and I’ve learned that I can run on my own too and that’s been a pretty cool thing to know. In 2008 I never ran more than 3 or 4 miles by myself. This time around my longest run alone was 8 miles. That’s a lot of time to reflect when you run as slow as I do! Like my friend Callie pinned the other day on Pinterest “I’m slower than Internet Explorer on a 90’s Dial Up Speed connection BUT I RUN.”
As I sit here with ice on my knee and try to mentally prepare myself for 13.1 miles, I decided to remind myself why I run and the lessons I learn. So here it goes:
Running is cheaper than therapy. – I have had some awesome conversations while running. Sometimes when I had company and sometimes all by myself.
Whether it is a hill, an extra mile, or just trying to get to the next stop sign…once I get there, it feels so darn good.
Pain is relative and temporary but the lessons I learn while running will stay with me forever.
My biggest challenge with running is stepping out the door but once I do, I’m good to go. Just put my shoes on and do it!
I notice more when I’m running. I see houses, landscaping and nature differently and in greater detail then when whizzing by in a car. I appreciate the breeze more and shade always seems to come at the right times. (It is always the right time.)
Running does things for my butt that no other exercise seems to do!
I know after a run that I can accomplish more than I give myself credit for. I can push harder than I think and I can definitely keep going when I think I want to give up.
Even though I’m not training exactly as I should, this has been a really cool experience. I appreciate my family and friends happily giving up their time with me in order for me to train and they have encouraged me every step of the way. Next time I am faced with something new or challenging, I hope I remember running. Heck, I hope you do to. The biggest challenge is just getting started…Just put your shoes on and do it!
Authentically,
Steff
kids were just little bits playing recreational sports and taking dance. This time around there is a lot more juggling involved and I haven’t trained near as thoroughly as I should have been, skipping my cross training days all together. I am paying for it with soreness and swelling and some of my runs have been harder than I feel like they should be. I have all my long training runs completed and now just tapering down before the big race. I’ve had a great time running with my sister and my two “besties” and I’ve learned that I can run on my own too and that’s been a pretty cool thing to know. In 2008 I never ran more than 3 or 4 miles by myself. This time around my longest run alone was 8 miles. That’s a lot of time to reflect when you run as slow as I do! Like my friend Callie pinned the other day on Pinterest “I’m slower than Internet Explorer on a 90’s Dial Up Speed connection BUT I RUN.”