Menu
While training for my marathon, I had a love/hate relationship with my long runs. Two days before the run, I’d plan, dread, and try to pump myself up for it. The day of, I’d make sure that I had enough podcasts downloaded, a solid run plan, and would never forget the pre-run chocolate (it does wonders for long runs!). What really baffled me on long runs was the way that my brain turned to mush and my body was in some sort of zone - not always “the zone” but a zone. Sometimes, it was a gross feeling one; sometimes, it was a non-feeling one; and sometimes, it was a zone of flow with everything just falling into place. The longer my runs got, the more I understood the idea of mind-over-matter. Now, that I’m not training for any races this year, I have no long runs to dread, plan, and zone out for. Instead, my thoughts are on how to help Silvain get pumped up for his long runs and how a long run will look like when I have a family.
Nevermind the family part, my biggest thing about long runs is the getting-out-of-the-door part! However, once I’m running, I’m good to take it on. There’s an almost immediate relief once I start out - well, about 3 kms in. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a release, as that doesn’t set in until after, with a pint, perhaps! The days building to and immediately after a long run are noticeably, mentally different. Long runs are a bit of a roller coaster, and as ultras are long runs, the whole affair of my Death Race training being up and down makes sense to me. And, the great bit is that I’m finding that this disparity isn’t for worse but for better. This oft-labelled, addictive, chase is natural in us, and the anxiety, if you want to call it that, that goes with the lead up, is healthy. It would take quite a bit for me to start to question my running as an addiction. Michelle assures me of this! That being said, it’s true that my trail should, actually, physically be a bit more up and down. Leg 2, here I come! Whatever is holding you back from starting a run, long or short, know that we feel the pain, dread, exhaustion, and procrastination alongside you! Yet, we also hope the flow, release, and excitement during and after the run is finding you. Thinking and planning is important; but sometimes, taking the first step out of the door is all that you really need.
1 Comment
10/17/2020 07:11:05 pm
I believe that running is the best exercise that you can be doing today. There are people who have no idea just how fit you can get through exercise alone. There are people who have no idea how it works, and believe me, they should start considering it. An hour of running everyday can help you boost your entire muscle and cardiovascular system. We should all try it as much as we can, that is what I think, and it is what I believe in.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Who We AreHi! We're Michelle and Silvain: a married, Christian couple that's always seeking to learn, explore, and take on new challenges. Our adventures take us up mountains, down trails, and to faraway places. Follow us as we live, love, and are crazy! Forever!!
Archives
April 2018
Categories
All
|
Proudly powered by Weebly