Saturday, April 19, 2008

A Different Kind Of Post


A few months ago I could have never imagined my life without running.  The weeks that I had to stop all together really exposed some nasty things that I did not want to see.  This plunged me into horrible moods and I was continually frustrated with each passing day.  In my mind everything would be better if I could just simply run.  Still I was bothered by the fact that I felt this way at all.  

What I am realizing even more now it that I am a person that lives and thrives on goals.  Planning my weekly workouts and reaching the starting line of a big event is a true love for me.  I just love how this world of so called "weekend warriors" gather and for one day... one event to share in pain, laughter, and all the highs and low that come along the way until you see the finish.  Then what??

During this void I found something old that became something new.  My bike.  Although I rode just a few times with my husband last year it never felt right or felt enjoyable for me.  I kept my mind closed to the possibility of truly enjoying the ride at all.  Running was the only love that I would focus on.  Now I see things differently.  

I love running.... I love cycling.... I love yoga... I even love my circuit training.  Why not enjoy embarrassing it all?  I am an athlete pure and simple.  Sure I still have my goal of reaching the finish line of the November MMTR 50++ trail Ultra but this girl is dreaming and I will keep my mind open to anything.

Robin

Update:  My run tonight (sunday) was AMAZING!!!  I felt like I was moving right along.  Even once I got home, mapped the run and ran the numbers I could not believe what I saw.  So to make extra sure the mileage was right I got in the car and drove it.  

Run: 5.5 miles at a 8:11 pace  I AM THRILLED AND IT FELT GREAT!!!!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your other new "loves" will also help you with your first love of running :)

I understand the thriving on goals thing!

Kevin said...

All the different training will definitely help your running. All you need to add is swimming and you could also race triathlons

Stuart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stuart said...

Let's try that again.

Ironically being a good allrounder means you can become a great specialist...at least that's my new mantra!

teacherwoman said...

Great post! I found a long lost love of swimming when I injured my knee last July. Now I have a love for triathlons..

zanne said...

lord girl - we are in the same place! i too, am loving my bike right now. and i am loving the refreshing change that being on a team offers - i'm having a blast! glad you are too! i am laughing about the similar turn we have both just taken!

J~Mom said...

I totally remember having similar feelings when I was injured. Your run looks like it went fantastic though and I hope you continue to feel better!!

Unknown said...

Awesome job with the run. Great post!

sunshine said...

Whoo hoo -- great run! And, what a great feeling to have so many "loves" in your life!

RunBubbaRun said...

Cross training is the spice of endurance life. Just throw in some swimming, maybe put some triathlons in there as well..

Great job running as well.

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Zig Ziglar said it right "Setting Goals makes you a meaningful specific rather than a wandering generality".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
so keep those Goals going & striving for more...

Glad ur mixing it up, the gym I now belong to has helped me do other cross training activities but nothing like a good run :-)

Have a great Week you country gal :-) Enjoy those Rocks in ur shoes!

Mendy said...

I think it's great Robin that you're loving the bike. I know how you feel, although I'm not on the bike as much as you seem to be.

Great job on that run as well! It seems like it's all coming together for you.

Scott McMurtrey said...

you're an all-around rockin' gal. :)

Anonymous said...

letting go is the best thing to do - then everything you dream of will come true:-)

Dana said...

GREAT 5miler! It's amazing how much you learn about yourself when you take away the ONE thing you want to do the most.