Friday, September 17, 2010

energized ...

Running is hard. If it weren't everyone would do it and we wouldn't have an obesity problem.

But, it's not just hard on your body. It's a mental struggle - a struggle that varies from day to day. Even those crazy insane runners (like me), who will run 25 miles for fun, have those days when they just don't want to run. And sometimes, even if you LOVE to run, running may not be your friend.

Today was gearing up to be one of those days for me. Last night, I was dreading my scheduled 10 mile stroller run. I didn't want to do it. I was looking for anything to get me out of it. Could I wait until the evening? What about Sunday? Why not skip it all together?

When I woke up this morning, it was even worse. I couldn't get my head around the idea of another 10 miles. Seriously. What's another 10 miles when you have already run 1200? Is it really going to make a difference?

Without an answer, I got out of bed and started my day. I had a consultation/time trial at 6 a.m. with a new client and when I got there something changed. I was instantly re-energized. Sharing my love of running and seeing the excitement on R's face was what I needed. It reminded me of why I run and it made me want to tackle those 10 miles. Maybe the run will be great. Maybe it will be the worst I've had. But, it doesn't matter. I won't regret it either way.

26 comments:

Tara said...

Ah...thank you! I'm done with this running funk now, too! enough! I'm out for a run after dropping the kids off, and thank you for your words. I especially loved your point about not having an answer - it doesn't matter. you won't regret the run either way.

Anne said...

Seeing someone's enthusiasm, especially if you're the coach, has got to be motivating :)

Love the pics of Doodle below...you guys are so cute together.

Anne said...
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Jen said...

Running funks.... been there done that. Sitting at the doctor's now... hoping for good news.

jamie@sweatyhugs said...

I'm really glad you posted this TMB. I've been experiencing a ton of highs and lows with running, BUT at the end of the day the highs are what keeps me coming back. :)

Laura said...

The expression is true..I have NEVER regretted a run only those I didn't do...
..no matter how hard some of them for me have been.

Jennifer P said...

Your daughter is beautiful! And who looks forward to a 10 mile stroller run? Insane people? :) Thank you for motivating me to get out the door today.

Silly Girl Running said...

Thanks for sharing! I really needed to hear this! :)

Emz said...

So awesome.

So true.

Loving this post.

I've never regreted a run after I hit "start" [or left the house, for you normal people]. ;)

Unknown said...

I had that feeling yesterday. Just did not want to run. I sucked it up and did it. Had to fight myself to keep going the whole way, but felt great afterwards.

It makes me feel better to know that even much more experienced runners then me feel that way too. :)

Anonymous said...

Yay! Bye bye running funk!

Mike Russell said...

great post as usual. I like to read old race reports when I get too down and remember why I kick so much ass. :)

Michelle said...

Always love your posts - especially needed these words today! Thanks!

kat said...

Wise words, that we all need to hear.

track coach and adorable wife said...

Awesome! Purely awesome and true!

AM! said...

So agree with you. that's where i also find motivation is through these here blogs too;-)

but i gotta say a 10 mile run WITH a jogger stroller is TUFF. that would take a LOT of motivation for me to do that!

Marlene said...

Nothing like SHARING the sport to get us pumped up again. Hope it was a great 10!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Nothing like sharing your passions to get them burning hotter! That goes for more than just running.

Glad your coaching is going well.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Nothing like sharing your passions to get them burning hotter! That goes for more than just running.

Glad your coaching is going well.

Katy said...
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Laura said...

I so know the feeling...I really really struggled recently with running and anything else fitness oriented....I had really pushed hard for a full year....6 sometimes 7 days a week...12-14 hrs a week...I was feeling so mentally fatigued....I took a little mini break and then I started feeling guilty and feeling like i might now have it in me...but then I hit the treadmill for a really tough session with me myself and I and well I've still got it and that renergized feeling is better than anything!

TNTcoach Ken said...

Don't you love when someone ignites your spark???? That's why I love my TNT participants.

chris mcpeake said...

just got to run through those funks. Keep it up

Katie A. said...

Couldn't agree with you more! I LOVE TO RUN! But some days...I don't want to. Some days...it's hard to get out there and enjoy it. But, you never regret a run you did, it's the ones you let slip that you do.

Liz said...

so glad that even coaches get this... it makes you seem a little more human (because let's face it, you totally are superwoman!).

Runners Fuel said...

I have many of those days. I don't feel like gong, but when I get there, I feel ready to push it!