It has seemed over the past few months that I've fallen out of love with running. No, that can't be true. I've always loved running, it just became a love of familiarity, a love taken for granted. "You'll always be there for me, running, so I don't really need to put any effort into this relationship". We all know that those relationships eventually fizzle out and die. But, the beauty in running is that you get out of it what you put into it.
Other loves, passions and creative endeavours had taken precedence. I like lists, so here you go:
Reasons I haven't been running (as much):
1. The gym:
In June I got a gym membership for the first time in my life and really fell in love with cross training. I love taking pride in my strengths (my legs) and laughing at my weaknesses (anything arms/core) while pushing myself to improve those areas. Progress is a drug. |
| Run then power class at the YMCA |
2. My relationship:
In October my best friend asked me to be his wife, that excitement and wedding planning has consumed me as well. We are also in a long distance relationship right now and only see each other on weekends (prime running time) so running gets pushed aside for quality time with the love of my life. |
| First run with my ring |
3. My career:
Teaching is very time consuming. Much like running, you do indeed get out what you put in and I will easily give everything I have for those kids, to watch them succeed and grow and fall in love with learning.These all sound like excuses because they are. The truth is my relationship with running had just grown stagnant. I was running the same races, the same distances, and though running still brought me joy, it was fleeting joy. It almost began to feel more like a chore. "Oh jeeze, I haven't run since Thursday, I should really get a run in soon".
Enter: New years.
Step 1: Reflect:
2016 was a good year for me running-wise. Here's another list:
2016 Running accomplishments:
1. A new half marathon PB
I finally broke 1:50 at my spring half marathon, the Goodlife Fitness Marathon series in Toronto. It was also my first half my parents weren't at. I only had my then boyfriend, Mark, with me. It was a big step emotionally. |
| Finally that sub 1:50 |
2. I ran a race with my sister-in-law
It was so nice to spend that quality time together. At that point in time we weren't officially sister-in-laws yet as they married in September and the race was in May, but none-the-less it was a special moment crossing that finish line together. I also grew a whole heck of respect for her as her regular running routes are ridiculously hilly. |
| Though we finished at the same time, my name comes first alphabetically. So I got the medal. |
3. Canada Day 8km
It's a local race between two small towns that has been going for almost 50 years. Very simplistic, free, no bibs, no chip timers, no roads closed. You just run from the old school to the community centre one town away. But I got to run it with my running bestie and the best part was after the fact, looking through pictures where we have identical strides. She is my sole sister in so many ways.
4. Ran my first triathlon
I signed up as part of the hospital's charity team and raised money. I only completed the run portion. It was summer, it was mid-day. It was death. I gained new respect for triathletes and promptly decided that was something I'd (likely) never do.5. Completed a challenging half marathon
One of my favourite run series that always falls on my birthday is the Run Blue Mountains run in Thornbury. First place age category finishers win a pie. I've ran the 5km and the 10km twice, so it was finally time to run the half. Though I love small town races, I do not love small town half marathons. For longer races I need the motivation of crowds and runners around me. I ran a small town half a few years ago and went km's without seeing anyone else. That can really wear on your motivation and pacing. BUT, I decided I needed to complete the trifecta so I ran the half. It turned out to be windy, rainy and ridiculously hilly. Including one of the biggest hills I've ever seen in my life, let alone run. I actually walked it. I still ended up getting a 1st in my age category.I had told myself my relationship with running had matured. I'd fallen into a state of consistency. I was no longer pushing for new goals of time or distance and that was okay. I was running for the love of running. What I didn't realize (until now) is that that love dissipated. My love of running is based largely on goal setting, training plans and pushing myself.
Step 2: Set goals
2017 running and fitness goals
1. Run Around the Bay 30km
It's always been on my bucket list since I started running. The oldest race on this continent, older than Boston, it's steeped in history. The race circles the bay in Hamilton. It's known for being hilly and often windy. It's a long distance to run. Held the last weekend in March, it means you need to train during the winter. It's chocked full of challenges, which makes it more exciting. I wanted to run it before I turned 30 and though I'm 28 now, with my wedding coming up this August I'm not sure where our marriage will take us and how that will effect my training so there's no time like the present. Speaking of present, I gifted a race registration to my sole sister, Lisa. Having a partner in crime makes these challenges seem so much more attainable. Plus, as a new distance challenge there's absolutely no time restraint. So we can just run and chat and run and chat. I can't wait.2. Get fit for the wedding.
You know, work on the whole package. Keep up the cross training at the gym, make sure I'm eating right. The whole package. So that I look good in my wedding dress :)Suddenly the spark has set my love of running aflame again. I was giddy with excitement as I made a chart in a notebook and drafted up a training plan. I grabbed a journal and wrote out each date from January 1st to March 26th, race day.
I set out for my first run of my training schedule today. It said 5km tempo. I'm not used to training in the middle of winter, usually just maintenance miles. But today I got to run tempo, comfortably difficult. It felt so good to push my legs, feel my lungs burn and regret wearing 3 layers.
It's so great to acknowledge a starting point, to reflect and acknowledge the changes I'd like to make and look ahead to the progress that is sure to come. My body tells me it needs better fuel, and more water to run efficiently and I promise it that I will give it just that.
Stay tuned for more. So far, 2017 is off to a great start.
