I haven’t been running. I keep saying that once you stop it’s hard to start back up again, and it’s so true and hard to explain. I loved how I felt when I was running. I loved my time alone or with my running partner. I even grew to love running. 2011 was the year of the Run.
2012 I got way off track. I don’t know particularly why I stopped running, but there were all these reasons. Not even excuses – there was the holidays and then my Grandmother died in January, and the early darkness in the evening meant I had no time with the kids if I went for a run. I ran sporatically the first half of the year, did a 5-mile race in May and that was it.
On the con-side of no running, I could point out that I gained 15 pounds. This was NOT all about running but also about my lack of commitment on my eating, but running was a big part of it. I don’t really work out otherwise, so without runs my exercise beyond ADLs was non-existent.
This year I keep recommitting myself to working out. I ran once in February and then no more. I’ve lost a few pounds, but that’s more about my food intake than my movement. Finally I decided that with the time change I would start running again. I made a plan to start Tuesday, which is my afternoon that I have a little time to myself because the kids get home later.
Tuesday came and with it came rain. And cold. As I sat at my desk and watched the dreary day, I made more excuses. I certainly wouldn’t run in that. Maybe I could do yoga? In front of the tv? When I got out of work the rain was gone and it was chilly but sunny. I still felt like I didn’t WANT to run. I had already altered my plan – no running. I stopped at Target for some goodies for a friend. I dawdled.
But then I went home, strapped on my running shoes and got myself out of the house. I did two miles, and I wish I could tell you it was a good run but it wasn’t. The cold burned my chest, and while I ran most of it I was tired and out of shape the whole time. I usually go four miles but I cut it in half so I could still have a little “me” time (my Tuesdays are important to my well-being). What was good is that in spite of my excuses, I went. I ran.
Maybe the key for me is not making a plan and sticking to it. Maybe the key for me is to see my excuses for what they are, and go anyhow.
Time will tell.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
1 comment:
I find it really hard to suss out what are excuses, and what are the REAL reasons behind the excuses sometimes. I was obsessed with running a couple years ago, and I still enjoy it for clearing my head but I've found I just dont...LOVE it like I used to. TurboFire has kind of taken over for my cardio as I love the HIIT,b ut sometimes you just need a change, or to be gentle. Then..sometimes you need to kick yourself in the pants. Hard to know which is which!
Post a Comment