I love running, I really do. I love the feeling of pushing myself farther than I thought I could go. I love feeling the muscles in my body work together to push onward with each stride. And I love blasting worship music to remind me of Who gave me this healthy body to run with in the first place.
I love running. But lately, I haven't been in love with it.
{Sounds like I'm breaking up with it, huh?}
Maybe, it has to do with a lingering half marathon that I know I'm not nearly as prepared for as my last one. Maybe it has to do with some stitches that kept me off my feet for a while. Whatever it is, it has me dragging my feet before a run. It has me putting it off until tomorrow, or choosing to stay in bed juust a bit longer before I hit the trails.
I've been off my game lately, and I'm not afraid to admit that.
I wanted to write this out, because I know I'm not alone in this. I know I'm not the only person who has a love-hate relationship with running. Or working out at all, for that matter. I know I'm not the only one who can feel the discouragement of knowing I'm not as ________ (insert fast/strong/in shape/word of choice) as I used to be.
But you know what? I learned something this past weekend. I was reminded that regardless of how fast I run, or how long I run for, or how good (or bad) I feel after the race,
I still finish. I still achieve. I still accomplish.
I stopped to walk during this past 10K. I haven't done that when running on my own since I was training for my first 10K back in February. It was kind of this daunting thing hanging over me, I knew it would eventually happen. I knew I would one day have to stop and walk during a run, but I didn't know how I would feel. Would I be upset? Would I be discouraged?
Well, I don't have to wonder anymore. It happened on Sunday, while running up one of the bigger hills. It was time, it was time to stop and walk. "Is this it? Am I done running?" I thought to myself. I knew it wasn't, but I think I just had to ask myself. I just had to remind myself that no, this isn't it. Yes, it's okay to stop and walk.
I stopped to walk one other time before crossing that finish line. And you know what? That's okay! I only took 6 extra minutes from my last 10K, but really, that doesn't matter. Even if I had doubled my time, I still would have finished feeling like a champion.
That's how running works, it's a journey. Some days you kill it, and some days you don't. But every time you get out there and run?
You finish. You achieve. You accomplish.
Photographed by Kevin Steele |
13 comments:
That picture is amazing at the finish line! I have a very love/hate relationship with running. It heals me and makes me feel accomplished, but my body just isn't where it needs to be and it starts to hate me during a run so sometimes I let a run defeat me. Love this post!
So amazing! It's ok to walk sometimes i tell myself. It happens and next time you do better :)
This was exactly what I needed to read. I have definitely been feeling the same way and the only thing that's been getting me out the door are my races looming in the distance.
I may just have to leap across the finish line this weekend like you--this picture just made my day!
I kind of feel like I'm not "in love" with it either right now. Of course, I've only gotten myself up to running 2 miles, but I've been struggling to make myself do it the last couple of weeks. Oh well, hopefully it's a phase.
Loooooooooooove everything about this post. (Do I say that in basically every comment I make on your blog?) But seriously.
What a great picture!!
Hahaha I LOVE that picture at the finish line! That's how I feel when I deliver one of my cakes that took me sooo much work to get finished. Hihi :)
Okay, so one: I absolutely adore that photo of you crossing the finish line! And two: I have these same. exact. feelings. I have such a love hate relationship with running and working out. I do it because I love how it feels to push myself and treat my body right, and yet some days I do not love how it feels at all and I get lazy about it. Definitely encouraged to read this today Amy :)
This picture is Ah-mazing!!! GIRL you are so inspiring. I really need to start running.. I just dislike the feeling of it but I was told once you get in the habit it of it becomes a really amazing experience. :)
What a good reminder for my running! <3
Alesha
This is great!! LOVE the picture!!
This picture is amazing!!!!
YOU are awesome! I have a special place in my heart for runners... because I just am NEVER gonna be one! POWER to ya!!! So happy we could meet this past weekend in INDY! WOOT WOOT! We have a lot of the same friends... which means we have to be friends ASAP! XO see ya next year?!?!?!
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