I’ve been thinking a lot about running lately. I mean, I usually think about it – hence the title of my blog, but I’ve been REALLY thinking about it.
Here’s the thing… I’m not training for anything. Not in a I don’t have any races for 6 months kinda way, but a I haven’t registered for a single race kinda way. Surprisingly, for someone who is completed motivated by races – I am REALLY enjoying this. There’s no pressure for me to run – except to just enjoy the run. (Does that mean I am maturing as a runner?)
Up until a few weeks ago I was still following the same running schedule I followed when I was marathon training: Sprints, Tempo, and Long Run. Every week. It worked for me and kept me focused during half marathon season as well. But once B’s soccer started and I convinced Dan to go to spinning with me on Sundays my schedule changed. And it has morphed into something I am really enjoying.
Instead of focusing on types of runs, I run outside when I can, at whatever pace I can manage. Truth is, the summers in Florida are brutal. They kill my running spirit and my pace. There is nothing more frustrating than putting your all into a run and running a full minute per mile slower because there is 125% humidity and it feels like there is an elephant on your chest. I WILL train for another marathon in the summer (hopefully next summer!), but why force myself to do it now?
Please, take a moment and enjoy this photo…
All other runs will be done on the treadmill. Yes, I said treadmill. Who AM I? I realized treadmill running doesn’t always suck. At my previous gym, running more than 3 miles was like a Chinese torture test. Now? I feel like I am floating. The miles just tick by. I now can completely understand how runners get addicted to their treadmills. Yesterday, I ran 8 miles at the gym and while it was RIDICULOUSLY challenging (mentally – there’s only so much to look at) I could not stop thinking about how awesome it felt. And last night I actually thought, “I wish we had a treadmill because I could really run a few miles right now.” I know. I can’t believe I actually thought that, let alone wrote it.
So… I guess the POINT of all of this rambling is reveal my new methodology on running. I’m going to try to run shorter distances, more often. Since I’m not training for anything (and I don’t plan on putting anything of my schedule any time soon!) – I’m really just running for that elusive high – and I guess I’ve discovered that I get that high 2 ways: running far and running fast. So running fast it is! For now.
This post is what I get for thinking. Aren’t you glad you didn’t ask?
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Oh snap. KB is lookin’ good there. Better than the boys, I think.
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..Five for Friday
1. Your blog looks different. I like.
2. Jensen Ackles. *sigh*
3. Totally get where you’re coming from. It’s nice to just enjoy running and not have the pressure of doing certain distance or pace or workout. But I am also feeling my motivation lagging, which I think means I need to be running less. But then, my best runs of the week are my long runs. It’s the shorter weekday ones I could do without. So basically, I haven’t matured as a runner yet. Or something.
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I totally clicked to see pics of hot guys…don’t tell my hubby. Thank you for your ramblings
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Running shorter distances, more often … that’s pretty much where I’m at this summer too! I was going to try to keep doing longer (5+ mile) runs on the weekend, but the heat is just too much. Even if I can power through it, my dog (who always runs with me) can’t.
Right now my new goal is to run at least one mile every day until July 4th. It’s not much on mileage but it feels very do-able…unlike my previous schedule that had me hiding in bed and blowing off my runs every day.
Diane @ DixieJulep recently posted..Runner’s World Summer Running Streak #RWRunStresk
I HATE running in the summer here in Florida, it’s so muggy & thick & gross! Lately, between the heat & the rain my runs have been a crapshoot — I just can’t seem to be consistent with them at all/barely run nowadays….& I want to change that. I hate the dreadmill but I think it’s time I suck it up & learn to love it. Oy.
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog recently posted..Meet the Girls: CrossFit Barbara.
I found the secret to the treadmill — is finding a REALLY GOOD ONE, with extra cushioning. The one at my gym is amazing and I never really thought that could make a difference until I switched.