The common misconception with runners is that we wake up every morning ready to run.
Sunday morning I woke up and really just wanted to get it over with. I had a list a mile long of things I wanted to get done, so all I could think about was getting out there and being done.
Running is a funny thing. Just when you least expect it, teaches you something.
All I had on the schedule was an easy 5 miles. I’m focusing hard on not increasing my mileage for a while, and knew that was about all I should do after yesterday’s 11. Which made my outlook on the run even worse.
The weather has been unusually warm recently, but Sunday morning the crisp fall air was back. I made the decision to just run without looking at my pace or even have a planned course. I just ran.
To my own surprise, these were the best miles I’ve had in a long time. I dreamed, I thought, I prayed, and I just enjoyed every moment of the run. There was no pressure, no goals, it was just me and the open road.
These types of runs don’t happen everyday. However, when they do happen they seem to come exactly when you need them.
It’s been an adjustment for me after Chicago, but it’s something I know I’ve needed. I’ve tried to embrace it, to just let my body do what it can, but it’d be a lie if I said it is always easy. On days like today it all seems to be worth it.
Running is more than just training for a race. It’s more than just my next goal – it truly is my sanity. On days when everything goes crazy, it is what brings me peace. I think that’s why runners are the crazy bunch we are, because it is so much more than focusing on a goal.
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I work hard because I have big dreams, but at the end of the day I just want to be able to run. I want to be appreciative and remember that even on the hardest days running is a gift.
On days like today, running was just what I needed.
What does running mean to you?
Are you working towards a goal?
Love this. I’ve had very similar thoughts and then runs!! Some of my best experiences was when I left the Garmin off and the earbuds at home. Running has healing powers. I’m getting over how crappy Savannah was this year and focusing on fundraising for St. Jude children’s hospital for the Nashville marathon now! And it brings me such joy to focus on giving back instead of just my running goal. Savannah was going to be my BQ race but with ridiculously poor conditions I decided for my safety to drop down to the half
Oh no! I had family running Savannah I heard how horrible the weather was. Good for you for listening to your body! You will get your BQ!! I know it!
I’ve suffered from extreme anxiety since I was a teenager….it’s very similar to depression….I used to struggle to cope with life in general, even when times were good….Running really helps keep my anxiety in check – it allows me to process things and decompress in a healthy way. My morning runs prepare me for the day while my afternoon runs allow me to unwind before I come home to my family.
I’m in training for a couple 100 milers next year – first one in March!
It really is amazing what running can do for people! 100 milers!? You are awesome! I can’t even imagine! Maybe one day!
I hear you on this- running has helped me through so much! It’s what I turn to to process. It’s just fantastic, and it’s definitely when I least expect it that the magic happens!
So true Pippa! It’s definitely something that helps me relax!