I have not enjoyed the couple runs I have had since vacation and don't even necessarily look forward to running. It's hard to look forward to something when you don't feel strong and you know something will hurt later in the day or the next day. If it's not my knee bothering me, it's my hip. I have been feeling like I'm falling apart, and all I can do is sit and wait for my doctor's appointment and get a second opinion so I can figure out what to do.
My mindset has been "5 miles". If you read my weekly workouts, you will notice whenever I run, it's usually 5 miles! Obviously that is not a good training strategy, but I am not training for anything. 5 miles equals out to a 40-45 minute run, which is just the perfect amount (usually) for me to get my running fix and maintain my cardio abilities.
Until now. Right now, running 5 miles has seemed daunting! 5 miles is so long! Even when I have a podcast, I am like... ugh, 5 more miles!? And I am only doing it 2 times a week. So my weekly mileage these days is 10 miles. HAHAHAHA. (Laughing instead of crying.)
However, yesterday, during my run, I decided to try something new. Instead of my standard 5 mile run, I'll do a 4 mile run/walk- 3 miles running, 1 mile walking, split up into different segments that I decide on the fly. I did it two days in a row, and I love it so far! A 4 mile run/walk sounds way less daunting than running 5 miles straight. I am less sore after, too. So mayyyyyybe, I could do it 3 days a week and then lift the other 4 days. That way I can still have some cardio in my fitness routine. We will see. I am sure I will change my mind as soon as I post this!
Yesterday's run was the first run I have enjoyed in two weeks! Paul was fishing at Pinchot Park and I was running/walking. Suddenly, around mile 2.5, it started POURING! It was so hot and humid out that the rain felt AMAZING! I felt strong and alive and I was so happy to be running. It was a great feeling!
I hope I have more of those feelings in the near future!
I hope you have more of those days in your near future too! Your doctor's appointment is coming up soon isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling of the heavens breaking open after super high humidity. One of the halves I ran last year started with about 95% humidity and when it finally started raining I could have cried it felt so good!
Yup a week from today is my appt, so I will be healed then. ;) Haha I wish!
DeleteYay! I'm so happy you had a great run! I hate leaving the house when it's raining but I really dont' mind if it begins to rain mid run. Then I have to dry out my running shoes for the next day with news paper because they usually get super soaked!
ReplyDeleteVery good point- I don't like when I start and it's raining either!
DeleteYay for enjoying your running this week! I am sorry the hip is still acting up but soon you will have some answers. I love running in the rain. In fact, I just got back from a rainy run--big smile on my face, wearing my bright orange rain gear and loving each time I splash through a puddle!! It's just pure joy.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is! It makes you feel like a kid!
DeleteGlad you found something different that might work for you! It always good to chance things up, especially if you're not happy with what your doing.
ReplyDeleteI am such a creature of habit so I am glad I am able to change things and be okay with it. (For now!)
DeleteHope you have morr feelings like that as well. I love running in the rain, takes me back to bring little kid :)
ReplyDeleteYes! That is the same reason I like it too. :)
DeleteI definitely can relate to the feeling of "Feeling Alive" during a run.
ReplyDeleteHey, I don't know if this question is allowed and please don't "flame" me for it, but would you consider the Galloway method? When I've done it, I run 3 minutes and walk 30 seconds. You can arrange to whatever run/walk intervals you like. Sometimes I even walk a full minute in between. I wear my Garmin and I can set it for intervals so its pretty easy to keep track of. This might help you get through your 5 miles with less pain afterwards.
Why would I flame you for that!? I guess if the Galloway Method is essentially run/walk intervals, I guess that is kind of what I am doing- it's just my run/walk intervals aren't always the same and I sort of go by how my body is feeling.
DeleteWish we lived closer and we could do run/walks together- I guarantee we would have a pleasant time!!! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are back and running! That is definitely reason to celebrate. :) Sometimes running in the rain can be very cleansing and refreshing. Perhaps this was just the mental shift you needed to enjoy running more in the future. We all need those ah-ha moments every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteWe sure do! I feel like after several bad days/runs, everything always comes back around and we get our mojo back!
DeleteSomething about rainy runs...they always end up awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you're able to keep that joy coming!
ReplyDelete