Running Habit
The runner me is back. She had a rocky year in 2012. Injury, lack of time, lack of motivation.
She spent too long looking back at what had been. Not enough time on the here and now.
This year, instead of looking where I have been, I will listen. When knees, calf muscles, ankles say enough, enough it will be. When the crazies start to form, I will pull on runners, clamp headphones and run. Even when I am tired. Especially when I am tired.
Running against myself. No one else. My time to improve, my hill to climb, my race to run.
Running is time. Alone. It is time just for me. Time to dig deep into my thoughts, or to run from them for half an hour.
If I want to run as well as I can, I need to put good food in my gob. Good food is not a family bag of kettle chips, as deliciously salty as they may be. I need to drink water, and perhaps less gin. God help me.
The past two weeks I have put the above into practice. I have been a lean, mean, good eating machine, with a much lower level of alcohol consumption than is usual for this time of year. The result? I have shaved over five minutes off my run time.
Now, this is far from a scientific study, but it kind of makes sense. Less stodgy food, less stodgy running. Who knew?
The trick will be to keep at it once work returns next week.
I need to reform my running habit.
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We’re following a similar course Naomi, after running a marathon with injuries in 2012, I set about sorting my dicky knee (tick), but in the mean time got fat and slovenly. I’ve cut back on the wines, the crap food and am slowly clawing my way back. It hurts but the relief from being out there in my own world and thoughts is immense. Back on the wagon and loving it.
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Naomi Reply:
January 24th, 2013 at 11:12 am
It does hurt doesn’t it! But like you there is great relief at being back out there in my own world. Here’s to clawing back!
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I am not a runner at all, but 6 months ago I was dragging my feet a couple of kms a week. I stopped when life got too hard and BAM, back injury. Now I am super weak and have to start from the bottom again. Too weak to run even if I wanted to. Lesson learnt, the really painful way.
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Naomi Reply:
January 25th, 2013 at 10:40 am
It is hard isn’t it. I sometimes forget I am no longer a 20something with a body that just takes anything…
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Ahhh I *love* your posts about running because it just oozes through the screen how much you do enjoy & need it in your life, it’s obvious that it helps balance not only your soul but also calm your mind – gives you that breather when you need it.
You make me want to become a runner. Maybe one day. Maybe one day.
x
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Naomi Reply:
January 27th, 2013 at 11:40 am
It does balance me, you’re so right about that. We all need something to help balance us,what ever it is. x
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I so enjoyed starting to run last year after your inspiration that this year I’ve bought new runners, new skins (even for winter) and come Thursday my 3 weeks “rest” is up. The new year begins. Thanks so much for being my inspiration.
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I hear yer! I first started running back in ’05 with a shorty 2K. I graduated to 10K then half marathons and now I keep at it with my pram and my 3YO on the iPhone!
I miss it when I can’t due to weather or illness and I too, feel higher after setting off feeling low.
Yes, it’s the endorphins but the ME time that you addressed, the getting out of the house and doing something that’s JUST for you is the stuff of freedom! Even if only until you get back home
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