I went running today. And when I say I "went running" I really mean that I went to the park and hobbled along the path at a slightly quicker pace than my usual walk for about a quarter mile.
I learned a few things from this morning's "run" though:
a) it is WAY easier to run here in Oregon than in Utah and it seems to have everything to do with the altitude. I can BREATHE here. I've noticed this while walking as I hardly ever get winded at all, even going up steep hills. It's really awesome because I can feel like I've actually increased my stamina, I haven't, actually, but somehow it's still motivating to me.
b) it SUCKS to take the dog with me. Where we live, and I imagine all of Oregon because it's so woodsy here, is positively INFESTED with squirrels. Have you ever tried to walk a dog through a squirrel infested park? Now try running with that dog through the squirrel infested park. Lots of pulling and tugging and tripping over each other. One of us is going to get killed or break a leg, I'm sure of it.
c) I HATE running. I HATE HATE HATE it.
d) Yet, despite the firery hatered I have for running, I still dream of running a 5k. Probably because it feels so impossible for me to do. I mean really, ME? RUN? A 5K? And SURVIVE? Why not? Linda has been hugely inspiring for me lately, She's doing 5k's, she did a triathalon, she's training for a half marathon! I mean how can you NOT be inspired by her? Her most recent post about not wanting to run, her last line literally made me get off my ass and put on my running shoes "It makes me feel like I’m capable of doing anything I set my mind to."
So, I've made a goal for myself. I will run a 5k. I will run outside, I will run with the dog, I will run with the kids in the jogging stroller, I will go to the gym and run on the treadmill, but I will train and I will run a 5k this Spring. I will do it even if I hate it. Once I've crossed the finish line, if I never want to run again, I won't. I don't need to become "a runner" I just need to do something that seems impossible, if, for no other reason, to prove to myself that I can.
Running made me feel like I'm capable of doing anything... until it apparently screwed up my knees. :( My original goal was a 5k - now I'd like to be able sit on the floor without feeling like I'm 90 years old! WTH! I'm sure I'm to blame - I was never good at stretching before and after - and they say that can cause the kind of problems I'm having.
ReplyDelete