Today's quote was very much true for me this weekend and need to be a constant reminder to me when I'm feeling stressed or upset about life.
I've been struggling lately to get back into a groove of running again. So when Saturday rolled around, I was both happy and nervous to run. Happy because it was gorgeous out and I was going for a run and nervous because I hadn't been running in almost two weeks at that point and didn't know what to expect. I was apprehensive to say the least.
I got to the park where I was going to run and started out on my route. The first couple miles always seem to be the toughest for me whenever I start a long run (is that just me or does everyone struggle with that?) and I was really fighting through them. Then as I got half way through mile 3, things felt better. I was breathing easier, my strides where fluid and I felt good. I even smiled during my run.
As I was nearing the end of my 6 miles planned for the day, I (literally) ran into my friend Danielle on the trail. She was by herself attempting her first 10 mile run in 9 months and she was struggling, I could see it. We had a brief exchange, wished each other luck and headed back on our runs going opposite directions. Then as I was running away from her, about .20 miles away from the end of my run, I remembered how much I appreciated having people run with me at the end of my long runs when I was getting into the double digit miles.
I stopped and turned around.
I picked up my pace and called out her name to have her pause a moment. I knew she needed the company and another 1.5 miles wasn't going to kill me. So I caught up with her and said that I would run with her to finish up her mileage. She seemed relieved and I was happy to help her out and get some chatting time in for the rest of her run.
We finished up the run and chatted a bit longer while we stretched and ate some post-run fuel. As we parted ways, I reflected on my run and couldn't help but smile. Not only had I broken my non-running cycle, but I completed the mileage I had set out to do AND picked up an extra 1.25 miles while helping out a friend complete her long run.
My smile got bigger. I had found my happy again. I have always loved how I feel after a run, even if it was a brutal run and I'm tired and sore. It didn't matter. I always felt lighter, my days outlook a little sunnier and my smile a bit bigger. Running had become my happy place and I was so glad to be back to it. I wish I could bottle that feeling as a reminder to myself when I don't feel like running, I can take a little whiff of it and remember that feeling. I don't think I would be able to get my running shoes on fast enough.
Question for you: Does exercise put you in a good mood? Do you have anything that helps to remind you how good you feel afterwards as an incentive to get back out there?
Definitely in a good mood following exercise!
ReplyDeletePictures and posts (like these) always help us to look back on for inspiration from run to run.
Happy Monday!
The first mile is always the hardest for me. I think it's about getting into that groove, both mentally and physically. I love how I feel after a run, which is why I try to run in the mornings.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, I wish I could run in the mornings! If I didn't have to be at work at 6am, I would run before.
DeleteI find it takes me anywhere from four to seven miles to feel good. On the other hand, I've been at events where I feel great from the moment I cross the start line. Go figure. I'm glad you found a friend to run with! It's always nice to run into people you know when you're out there on the trails.
ReplyDeleteStrange how that happens, right? I haven't been able to find a rhyme or reason to why that happens, maybe there is no such thing. HA!
DeleteI do enjoy running with friends, it definitely helps to busy the mind and make the miles go quicker!
Oh yes! I was just thinking about how I'm almost in a BAD mood on non-running days and I wish I could run every day sometimes. I can't or my body would revolt right now, but that feeling I get is fantastic and bottling up to remind ourselves would be perfect! So wonderful that you could finish your friend's run with her and help support her! Love that.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! Supporting each other is so important especially in those crunch times when it really is mind over matter to get the run done.
DeleteAnd I agree, I would love to run daily, but I'm sure my body would protest as well! Maybe one day.
I am so happy it's April, although 2013 is FLYING. I was in such a March funk, my total miles for the month were shameful. It wouldn't have been as close to 20mi if it hadn't have been for the GA Publix Half Marathon I ran. I was disappointed and frustrated with my lack of 'want', and I KNEW I would feel better if I just went to the gym...but I just kept choosing to not. This is even more stupid because, again I KNOW, I always feel better and am in a good mood after I run or take a group fitness class. It's a vicious cycle of bad choices. Honestly, even if there were some time of life preserver to grab onto...sometimes you just don't want to pull out...but when you finally do, it's so refreshing. Maybe these breaks (slacker days) are to help make us more grateful for the good days?
ReplyDeleteI had been trying to decide on a new training plan, I guess it was easier to bail since I had nothing to hold myself accountable. So here's a new month to start fresh. I decided on a training plan and set a few goals, put them all "on paper" (well, my blog). New month, new start so here I go...
PS: I am SO proud of you for exceeding your own expectations for your long run but also for deciding to encourage your friend along! Great job!!!
March was kind of a funky month, I will agree with you on that!
DeleteI also agree that having slacker days can be a good reminder of how good you feel when you do apply yourself to an activity.
I am excited to see how your training plan works for you. Will you be updating on your progress on your blog?
Thank you for the encouragement Jill! This can be a lonely sport and is always enjoyed that much more with friends by your side!
Yes, I am working on bringing my blog back to active status. I/we enjoyed tracking our pregnancy & baby Abigail but after 18mo there are not as many "new" moments...and you can only blog about trips to the zoo, aquarium, etc so many times. ;) I guess I felt stuck, the blog was all about Abigail - but it was originally 'crashmattb & family thinks aloud' so with a fresh new look and the revised name (Matt hasn't blogged in forever anyway). I look forward to putting more of my thoughts "on paper" and tracking my training...and other stuff along the way.
DeleteI was noticing that as I was reading through the history of the blog that it was a lot about family stuff then recently the transition to your running.
DeleteI think it's fun to have a voice in blog form, even if it is to help organize your own thoughts.