I have to come clean. Ok here goes…I haven’t gone for a real run since well before the holidays. Phew, it feels good to get that off my chest!
If you remember, one of my 2012 goals is to run twice a week. And that just hasn’t happened yet. I could blame it on the very slight pain I still feel in my knee every now and then, or I could blame it on the fact that spin class leaves my quads burning. But those are just excuses.
I think the real reason I haven’t been running is because I don’t want to start from scratch and build myself up again.
Once upon a time, I used to run all the time. It was what I did (albeit not very fast). I loved how it made me sweat buckets. I loved how accomplished I felt after a good run. I truly loved the runner’s high.
But somewhere along the way, I lost my groove. I got tired. Honestly, I gave up on running. And in a way, running gave up on me. And now, I don’t feel like I’m any good at it. I know that sounds crazy because anyone can put on some sneakers and go for a run, but I don’t just want to run just for the sake of it, I want to be passionate about running again.
It’s so easy to read healthy living blogs and compare yourself to others who run like it’s nobody’s business. I mean these people crank out 5-8 mile runs 4-5 times a week.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to be like everyone else. In fact, I’ve filled the running void with other fun (and intense) workouts like spinning, Zumba, and strength training. And I’m having a blast. I actually look forward to getting up early and attending classes at my gym.
But, I miss running – I miss the sweat, I miss the feeling, and I miss the high. I miss it so much that I’m going to put my pride aside and build myself up again.
So here’s the plan. Since I’ve kind of fallen in love with spin and Zumba, I’m going to keep up with those workouts. I’m also going to strive for two strength workouts a week – one long and one short. And I’m going to reintroduce running into my weekly routine via the Galloway method. The Galloway method is all about alternating running and walking while ultimately building up to more running and less walking. I found a 5k training plan online that is everything I’m looking for – a few days a week dedicated to running and a few days for cross training and strength.
I’m so excited. And although I won’t be the fastest or the one that goes the furthest, I’ll still be a runner and a damn proud one at that!
Do you consider yourself a runner? Have you ever been in a running slump? If so, how did you get out of it?
This post could not have come at a better time, P! THANK YOU for “coming clean”. As you know I’ve also stopped running since before the holidays to let my leg rest. It’s been feeling better recently so thought I’d test it out this morning. Three minutes in, I was ready for a walk break. It was disheartening, especially because running for 45 minutes+ used to be the norm for me (that too at a faster speed)! At the same time, I was also kinda okay with it: life is not static and as long as I’m keeping fit with other workouts, that’s all that matters. I’m actually loving the weight lifting and for now, I’m happy focusing my efforts towards that. However I would like to go build up my running endurance eventually and Galloway will be my-go to! Good luck to you..I’m sure you’ll be back & running before you know it!
Andddd essay over!
sounds like a great plan you’ve got! i’m a huge fan of mixing up my workouts 🙂
That’s why I’ve liked the mile-a-day challenge – I just don’t run in the winter but I didn’t want to lose what I’d built up. It was going really well (1 mile = totally approachable) until my knee flared up. 🙁
The Galloway program is supposed to be great! I have a friend that has run a few Half marathons using the method and now she’s a group leader!
Awesome! I like your plan. Getting started is the hardest part. There’s a saying…”The hardest step for a runner, is the step out the door.” I bet that will be true for you too. You’ll be a runner again in no time!
omg, i’m probably the worst person when it comes to exercising, I have to drag myself to the gym and I only do the elliptical – my boobs hurt when i run. and I also think i just never got into it, everything burns and hurts. I should probably just run for 10 mins each time i’m at the gym just to burn some extra cals. just do what’s best for you, all i know is that comparing yourself to others can get you nowhere… i’m sure you’re amazing at other things (work, travel), things that other people are no good at or have no zest for. It’s ok.
btw.. I responded to you on Seville, Spain. You shouldn’t have issues finding veg in Barcelona – it’s pretty cosmopolitan. Seville will be a bit tough, so it’s best going for 1 to 2 nights max.
I have totally been in a running slump too! I’ve been doing more strength training, as well as HIIT. But since there are a few races coming up that I’d like to do, I need to get back into running as well. I think your plan sounds amazing. And even if you won’t be the fastest or going the furthest, you are still lapping everyone on the couch! And that’s what counts. Have a great day! 🙂
I have a love/hate relationship with running. I love how I feel when I’m done, but I hate how I feel when I’m doing it. (99% of the time) I haven’t got for a run outside since the weather got colder and it started getting dark after work, but I hope that this spring I can step up my game and my goal is to run a 5K this year. Good luck with your plan, you can do it!
Good for you! I totally recommend the walk/run method – helps to build you up without overexerting yourself and setting yourself up for injury.
And I feel your pain – I haven’t run since October last year after the Melbourne Marathon. Still am wimping out because I’m scared to f#$% my knee again.
But I do miss it. Sigh.
PS – my coming ‘clean’ – I still haven’t done the ‘yoga once a week’ part of my goals. Should get onto that one 😛
I like your attitude. I agree with you that sometimes when reading too many healthy living blogs, I feel like i’m the only one that doesn’t run. I still keep in shape in other ways, but i find myself asking “should i run more?” of course when i do i remember that it kills my knees for at least a week after and i stay true to what works for me. i mentioned before that i’d love to run a 5k, but that is all for now. I”m not embarrassed that it’s not a marathon. That’s just not me! We just gotta stay true to ourselves and what works for us and not let the blog world skew our view of that!
Thanks, Mila! You’re so right, we have to do what is right for us. Just because a few bloggers are big time runners doesn’t mean we have to take the same path. We should create our own!
Reading healthy living blogs are good but trying to immolate each and every routine is not. We should make a routine for ourselves. One that has to be practical with our well-being. Running is not tailored for all — if you can do it, get out and do it for YOU 🙂 We don’t need to beat ourselves up. Like NIKE says, Just Do It 🙂