What I learned about
running from NOT running.
You might wonder how
I could learn about running while not actually doing any running, but I learned
more than I could have ever expected.
*I learned I don’t
NEED to run to be happy.
In the past, I have looked at running as my solitude,
my only real way to relieve stress and think things through. I still think that
running is a wonderful way to do all of these things, but I also realize that I
can get stress relief elsewhere. I can go for a bike ride, a walk, I can read a
book. All of these things I used to do when I could run, but I don’t think I
ever appreciated that I can sub one of these for a run instead and get
basically the same calming results.
*I learned I love
running. Yes, I thought I loved running before but just go ahead and take 2
full months off of running and see how you feel. At first I honestly was
completely fine that I couldn’t run. I knew my body needed the break and running
was feeling pretty horrible at the time so I accepted my non running lifestyle
and enjoyed walking, biking, strength training all at a lower level than
before. I was fine with this for about 3 weeks while my heart rate still felt
crummy and my energy levels were less than impressive. Then I really started
to miss running. I was feeling better, my energy was returning and all I wanted
to do was run.
My first run back was
last week. I ran/walked with Stacy 3 miles. I was so so happy! I’m sure I looked ridiculous with a goofy
smile on my face the whole time, but I truly felt light and happy and so
grateful to be able to run again. I love that feeling.
*I learned I needed a
break. I think I was pushing myself and putting pressure on myself that
eventually lead me to dread running a little bit. I’m not sure if it was my
attempted marathon training, my lack of iron, or some combination but I was
really hitting the wall hard and should have taken some time off much earlier
than I did. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!
*I learned I don’t need
to be obsessive about my time, distance, or pace. I got the OK to run last
Wednesday and proceeded to go for my first run that day. I didn’t wear my
watch, and didn’t care even the slightest bit! I have since gone on a few more
runs, nothing more than a few miles but I didn’t wear my watch so I’ll never
know. I will start wearing it again as I get back into training, but my watch
used to feel like my lifeline when I went for a run and I can now say with
confidence that I don’t think my Garmin will hold that much power in the next
few months.
*I learned that I don’t
run to stay fit or active, I have plenty of other ways to do that, but I run
because of how I feel after. Nothing else I have tried in the last 2 months has
given me that feeling. The happy, excited feeling that I get when I run, and
even when I am done running. I love that feeling and I didn’t realize I missed
it until I felt it again.
There you have it,
maybe not ALL of the things I learned while not running but definitely some of
the most important in my opinion.
Have a great day
everyone! I’m headed out for a run soon!
I'll post about this wonderful weekend we just had tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment