I love running.
I really do.
In fact, I'm confident in saying that you don't run 50 miles a week just to stay in shape. You have to love something about it. There has to be some sort of love, passion or mutual respect to get you out there day in and day out.
So, obviously, I love running.
But, there has always been something that has eluded me when it came to the run ...
The love of running solo.
I hate running solo. I hate it so much that I would rather run 22 miles on a treadmill than log even three miles outdoor by myself. I find no peace in it. I don't enjoy the quiet. That's not how I want to spend my "alone time". All I can think is, "Dear God, let this be over already." It just doesn't work for me.
Do you know what I really love to do solo?
Swim. (and bike, if we're being honest.)
On Saturday, I made the jump to 3200 meters. You know, two miles. On November 30th, I swam 200 meters, confident that I was going to drown. Now, I can swim two miles. That's pure insanity. So crazy, that when I got home, J said, "You could do an Ironman," and I replied, "Yup. One day." (Still not sure if he realizes how serious I am about training for a full).
But other than helping me realize how far I have come in such a short time, my swim on Saturday proved something else. As I was swimming along, all I could think about was how much I loved just what I was doing that very moment. How this is what other people feel about solo running. And how running has very likely lost me to triathlon for good.
I really love running.
I just really love swimming, biking and running more.
19 comments:
The true triathlete in you emerges!
I am the completely opposite in your running fashion though. It's nice to run with people, but I prefer running alone 99% of the time. That's exactly where I find my peace of mind, my "me time."
And here's the your upcoming Full Ironman training!
We are on the same path right now with swimming.
On Friday my rest day I asked my coach if I could swim 1000y easy without it affecting my training. She said yes.
I went to the pool Friday afternoon and 1000y turned into 1500, then 1650, then 1750 then 2000 straight and loved every moment of it.
I took it slow but it was glorious to be in the water and just swimming.
Yes, IRONMAN is around the corner for you. You have the desire, motivation and ability.
I'm seriously considering training for my first sprint tri but the thought of the swim frightens me the most. I know how to "swim" but not real swim--I've never taken a lesson. I'm afraid of going to the Y and doing y half-a$$ed stroke and looking like a fool. Did you take swim lessons before starting your first tri training or had you taken them as a kid and knew how to real swim? Keep up the great work--you're an inspiration!!
I have found that same love of swimming, and I really thought that would be the part that Ihate and struggle with most. Go figure.
I also love how quickly you see improvements in swimming, and that it takes almost nothing out of you.
Why didn't we do this sooner???
Welcome to the club, no membership card needed :)
You have a long way - in both speed and endurance - very quickly. J is right, I have no doubts when the time is right, there is an ironman in your future.
oops - that was supposed to say you have *come* a long way.
Wow! Look at you loving what you thought might kill you...life is funny sometimes. Your determination is inspiring as always!!!
Welcome to "the dark side", and the Tri world better look out!
I'm loving this post!!!!
oh I love it all, solo, group, duo...yesterday I had a training partner do the same swim workout I was doing and we raced the sprints. THAT made it much more fun. Then for the main set (endurance) we were indeed racing (he did not know that) lol.
Glad to see you are enjoying swimming and training in general :)
Wow! What a long way you have come. I start my 70.3 training today. I hope that I'm able to enjoy the other two sports as much as you are. Because right now .... I'm a runner. We shall see! Good luck!
welcome to my world. :) and now you know why i said "i'm so sad i'll only be running." before my last running race.
As someone who feels like they might drown when I get into a swim lane, I wanted to swim today over run. I totally feel you on the running solo. Give me double digit runs on the treadmill over running alone for 1 mile outside. I'm glad I am not alone. I was starting not to feel like a real runner.
No doubt you were made for a tri! 2 miles of swimming is...well I can't really understand what that would be like.
Give me a solo run in the woods any day. ;-)
So funny how we're all so different. I thought of you as I ran 22 by myself on Friday. Thought of you, G and your posse and how I cannot imagine running with people all the time. While I crave runs with people every once in awhile, it definitely is not my preference. And I completely echo the statement, you were made for the tri! Amazing!!
I'm super excited for you! Glad you found what *you* love more. ;-) I'm feeling that same way right now (about ultras). It's awesome when something just clicks.
I definitely enjoy swimming and esp. biking more than running. But I don't see me doing a lot of tris at this point. The two mile swim is very impressive.
I'm the opposite: I'm a real lone runner. When I run with other people, I get all anxious because I can't keep up.
Running alone solves that problem. There's no one to keep up with. Just me and my shadow.
Mom's Home Run
how funny, i adore running alone but feel like i want to rip my ears off in the silence of swimming...so strange!
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