During this seemingly whirlwind of a weekend, I got a nice long run in with some great ladies. I ran 6 miles, which was the longest run I have done since the Rock and Roll Half Marathon on June 22, yeah, that's a month ago. Sad right? Well I don't feel that way, and I'll tell you why. I took two weeks off from running due to a myriad of things, but the biggest issue of all was the lack of will to run. I didn't run a stitch and worried that I wouldn't be conditioned enough for my upcoming half in August.
Then over the past couple of weeks I have been slowly building up my running and trying to be more consistent with my runs. Unfortunately consistency isn't like a light switch, you can't just turn it on and expect it to stay on, you need to build it up and work at it. I'm running more during the weeks and building up my mileage. Over the past two weeks I really had a transition, a change in my thinking and being, and all I can credit to that is my running. So today's Momentum Monday quote has really fit in with my life and training recently.
Now it's your turn: Does running help you to sort through what is going on in your head? Do you feel like sometimes the only solution is to go for a run?
That is how I started running. Running was the only way for me to relax and clear my head. I started running when my mom was diagnosed with ALS. It was my way of dealing with the pain and fear my whole family was experiencing. Even now, as my mom gets worse, I run to clear my mind and settle my soul. My mom can no longer walk, or move her body, so in a sense, I run for her too. Because she cannot. Running is the only thing that has gotten me through this. I owe my sanity to running.
ReplyDeleteOh sweetie, you don't know how that made me tear up. My heart hurts for you and your family.
DeleteI agree that running is cathartic and how I tend to deal with stress. I used to drink wine, now I run. Much better use of my time. :)
Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Kristine, my heart goes out to you and I'm so glad you have running to help you through it!
DeleteHey Lena! I'm slow catching up with everyone this week, Rey just left this morning and I never can keep up with my reading when he's gone! I think one of the best things about running is how it helps me sort through my thoughts OR just completely let them all go and not think about them for a while. I can do either, it depends on how I'm feeling and what I need at the moment. Running is my cure-all I guess!
ReplyDeleteIt's great how running can evolve for everyone. I'm glad that it gives you time to process or release thoughts or problems you may have going on in your head. I have those same experiences. Sometimes if I can't figure it out on my run, maybe there really is no answer to the problem or maybe it's not a problem at all, but a life lesson to ponder.
DeleteRunning is a huge stress reliever for me. I use it more as a time to let it all go and not worry about whatever is stressing me out. I find that I have much better days at work when I run beforehand. Even though it's great for the mind, it's hard getting out there to actually run. Funny how the brain doesn't put two and two together, you know?
ReplyDeleteYou would think that, right? I agree with you that I find I have a MUCH better day when I run in the morning. I'm more relaxed, I can concentrate without letting other things muddle up my thought process, running is a fantastic stress reliever. It's just getting your butt out that door in the morning...sheesh!
DeleteYes, sometimes running is the only thing that makes sense. Lately, my hubby has been frustrated with my running (I still do not understand the real "why" behind it all). But honestly, the more he complains, the more I just want to escape and go for a run! Oops.
ReplyDeleteIt's cyclical, isn't it? It's tough when your interests become a sensitive issue. Running is something that you love and enjoy, it makes you happy. Happiness is a good thing, in my opinion. Hope it all gets worked out eventually.
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