On Good Friday, Paul and I hit up Pinchot Park for a disc golf/running date. I was scared to trail run. I haven't been on the trail in months. Even though I used to run trail all the freaking time, the task ahead seemed daunting. I remembered how difficult it was and I didn't know if my body was ready for it. But with a trail half marathon coming up at the end of May, I knew I only had a couple more weekends in which I could actually train on the terrain of the race. It was so weird to be afraid of running on a trail I have run sooooooo many times. What was there to be afraid of? Pain? Failure? The unknown? I was extremely intimidated.
It felt strange putting on my trail shoes. They feel so different from my road shoes.
I wear Mizuno Wave Ascends. I think they are the trail version of my Wave Riders.
I probably need a new pair, but at this point I think I am going to wear these for my race in May.
I ran the Lakeside Trail at Pinchot Park. It goes around the entire lake and is not too technical or hilly. It was a great place to ease my way back into trail running! I did some out and backs so that I was never more than a 10 minute sprint away from where Paul was playing disc golf. I have to be available in case he has any problems.
As you can tell from the picture, it was a pretty dreary day, but it was warm and humid. I wore shorts and could have been in just my sports bra if I wanted to. What a difference from my morning runs this week where it was in the low to mid 20s!
I ran into Paul around Mile 2. He was killing it on the disc golf course!
The section of trail I started on wasn't too technical, and it didn't feel like any more of an effort than my neighborhood runs felt. That was a relief! After about a mile, I wasn't afraid anymore. I felt good! And I was smelling smells I hadn't smelled in a long time! It was a combination of warm weather, rain, and THE WOODS!
Augh hunting! I hate it. I did hear gunshots in the distance but it was many, so I think it was just a shooting range or something.
When was the last time you were legitimately afraid of something running related?
Nice job and I love the picture at the end. You look HAPPY.
ReplyDeleteI think every time I go out and run I have a bit of a fear in the back of my head that something will hurt and cause me to stop. I guess I just go into very cautious and prepared to walk instead of run. Sounds paranoid but girl has has a lot of issues as I have gotten into my 40's. But I am always SO grateful at the end when I do it (like your photo! that is how I feel on the inside). But today, no fear. It's a swimming day after a lovely running day yesterday :)
I have the same paranoia you have, Susan! I should start swimming. I think that would be really good for my body.
DeleteI think you should. I will tell you this: swimming never hurts! Ever.
DeleteNeither does cycling but swimming is truly amazing. Feel great after 1.5 miles then 20 minutes in the hot tub.
I have a fear of getting lost on the trails when I run. I have a habit of spacing out!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture at the end! I can't wait to get back on the trails too!
I've gotten lost, but not LOST lost, you know what I mean?
DeleteI love running on the trail! I will admit that we ha quite a scar this past December and it has me frightened to run by myself now. I hadn't really had to worry about that cus I got injured shortly after that and stopped running but I worry what this means for this summer. I don't want to be fearful but I don't want to be nieve (yea, I know that word is spelled wrong) either.
ReplyDeleteOh no, what happened to you on the trail? I am sorry you had a scary experience. There is definitely a fine line between being safe and not being scared to just enjoy life. I search for that line.
DeleteI never run trails because we don't have any :( I think in theory I'd love them!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes if I'm out of the habit of running in the dark, it scares me. But I get used to it again quickly!
If you ever come to PA I will take you on a trail run!
DeleteWhat are you scared of when running in the dark?
It was smoother. I was happy Paul was active too :) He is slowly getting comfy with what he can and can't do.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about running regularly. We just have to change what we count as "regularly". For me, it used to be every day. Now, 3-4 times a week is what I can do and I am happy. Less running = running for LONGER!