Monday, September 29, 2014

Running Realizations..


I am feeling really good about running these days.  Like really good...like "I am really excited for these halfs coming up" good!  Someone asked me at work why I want to run that long and the I couldn't really explain it...I just do, we all do.  I will say that for years now I've sort of loved to dread the half marathon distance.  I could never run the entire thing let alone think about setting a PR and while I still feel like I'm a long way off from wanting to think about "improving" my time, I seemed to have crossed a mental hurdle of sorts.  I am actually looking forward to running it.

On long run days, I use to get this sense like I had this massive hill that I had to overcome...the thought of 9, 10 or more miles just seemed unimaginable, especially running by myself.  Sunday's 9 miler was no different except that feeling didn't last long at all, and I found a groove and enjoyed it.  Two weeks in a row now I found my stride at about mile 6 and at one point I literally forgot I was running.  Seriously?!  My legs were in cruise and I was just enjoying watching the sun rise and seeing all the other runners around me overcoming their own giant hill.

What's even better?! I didn't have any soreness after my run and I woke up this morning feeling fresh!  Again, that never happens.

I am in this crazy happy place with running right now and I just can't get over it.  I'll admit, I use the blog and social media as a convenient excuse to get out there and do a workout or run especially on days that I really don't want too but lately, running is SOOOO not about that.  Whether I'm telling you about it or not, just know that I'm loving every step right now.
Every cool morning or late night run
Every interval,
Every stride, 
Every shaded trail and hot road, 
Every stroller mile
Everything, all of it..
One of my favorite places right now
I had another realization, I love half marathon for exercise, but I love the 5K for sport.  Does that make sense?  It seems I have the attention span to entertain the idea of improving my 5K distance, but right now my half marathon distance is just about getting out and doing it. 

Either way, right now, running and I are buds, we love each other, we're in a hot and heavy relationship and I'm going to bask in that honeymoon feeling as long as it lasts!

Are you in love with any of your training right now?  What is the one fitness activity you would go out and do if you could do anything? 
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18 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 30, 2014 at 6:58 AM

    Awesome! I love to hear things like this! It is so wonderful to read about people who are just enjoying running for what it is. I have been trying to focus on this with Chicago coming up. To take the stress off being in the elite section, I am thinking about just "taking what my body gives me" and trusting that the result will take care of itself. It means I have been enjoying training more, and I feel more confident for the race.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  2. UnknownSeptember 30, 2014 at 8:08 AM

    I've been doing my own training (not for a competition or race) doing just bodyweight. I've been loving it!

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  3. UnknownSeptember 30, 2014 at 8:13 AM

    For me it's the racing part of any distance that gets me! I enjoy 10-mile distances and enjoy inching into 12-13 until it's racing the 13. Almost all of my runs are solo, so I'm starting to freak out about training for a full. So glad to hear that you've found some major running mojo!!

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  4. UnknownSeptember 30, 2014 at 9:03 AM

    Right now I am LOVING my running training, too! It's my zen! But there are most def times when I hate every step. Enjoy it!

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  5. UnknownSeptember 30, 2014 at 9:07 AM

    I've been loving swimming lately. It's not anything competitive. It's really relaxing but I feel like I get a great workout!

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    1. UnknownSeptember 30, 2014 at 8:13 PM

      Me too! I've just started swimming again and it's wonderful!

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  6. PattySeptember 30, 2014 at 10:05 AM

    I can so relate right now! For the first time in a while I'm running relatively pain free (I've had shin issues) and every run feels good and I feel strong/like I'm getting fitter every day. I love running right now! Especially after I took a loooong break after NYC Marathon last November because I really just needed time off from running, I was burnt out and not loving it. Glad your runs are going great!!

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  7. Cotter CrunchSeptember 30, 2014 at 12:40 PM

    that's a good place to be.. kinda in the middle distance and craving a little speed.

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  8. MichelleSeptember 30, 2014 at 5:46 PM

    It's so great that you are in such a good space with your running and training! I could use a little of that mojo!

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  9. TriGirlSeptember 30, 2014 at 9:46 PM

    That is really awesome! I haven't been loving all of my workouts lately, but it's because I have been only doing one sport. Bring on the diversity!

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  10. mama kateOctober 2, 2014 at 8:50 PM

    I love this! I'm in a really good place with my training right now,too. It feels like everything is just clicking, and running is feeling free and easy. I'm soaking it up :)

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