These last few weeks have been rough on my running schedule. Long hours at work, plus class three days a week, equals not a lot of time or energy to run. My lack of commitment made me question whether or not I actually want to run. As I see it, if this was truly something I wanted to do, I would push myself harder to get up and just run- come hell or high water. Maybe me and running were not cut out for each other.
Then I realized something: these last three weeks I have been in a rut; I've been exhausted, lacking energy, full of anxiety and the only thing that helps me clear my head, give me a jolt of energy and on some level gives me peace is the thirty to forty minutes I take a few times a week to go running. My relationship with running is very love-hate. I hate getting up early, having achy knees, but I love the way it makes me feel. I am truly a better person when I run- I'm happier, more enthusiastic and less grumpy, which benefits most people who are forced to be in my presence.
Running may not need me, but I've come to learn and accept that I need running. So this is my recommitment to committing- the extra effort of getting up 30 minutes earlier, provides me with clarity, peace of mind and an over all better outlook on life. It doesn't matter how slow I run, or how many miles I log, what matters is how I feel when I run. And after the generally pukey sensation subsides, I feel pretty darn good.
Here's an amazing story from a woman named Jenny. She runs to clear her head and conquor things that I couldn't even possibly begin to fathom, this is sure to get you out of bed on those days when you don't feel like it or at the very least snap you back to reality and realize just how lucky you truly are.
http://www.c25k.com/jenny.htm
So, my lazy running readers what do you do when you are feeling down? What do you wish you could recommit yourself to?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'm right there with you on trying to stay committed to exercise. Intellectually, I know I need it. Physically, as I get older, I know I need it to stay nimble and healthy.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly, I just can't always motivate myself to get dressed, get on the treadmill and run. So, when I get into a rut, I simply make myself do it. That's the only thing that works for me.
I have a gym in my building, and I've been a member since the past 1 year now. I go on an average of 8-10 times a month- which really isn;t much of an average.
ReplyDeleteAnd the days that I do manage to drag myself to the gym are the days when I go "ok this is the best thing ever, and there is no way I'm going to discontinue." And as expected, a week goes by and I haven't stepped foot in the gym!
I guess it really is a matter of conquering your mind over your body.