I am starving to run. I haven't had time to do anything productive in the past few weeks and it's killing me. I feel lazy, fat, tired, sore. I know half of this is in my head, but half of it is real - being sedentary makes my muscles and bones ache just as much as a long, hard run.
I'm hoping that, in the long run, this time off will be a good thing because it will remind me how much better I really do feel when I keep a regular exercise schedule. Still, I can't wait until this month is over and I can get back to taking care of myself.
Last night, I was sitting in a room at about quarter-to midnight waiting for a meeting to start. I was beyond tired and crabby and was about to fall asleep, until I heard the two men behind me making small talk. Turns out, they both have daughters who ran Boston this year. One of the guys actually volunteers every year to help out with water stops or whatever else is needed.
The conversation started going down the path of, 'I'm proud of my daughter, but the human body just isn't made to do those types of things...' Part of me was mad at them for not appreciating what their daughters are able to do - good lord, Boston is no small feat, and shame on you for belittling their accomplishment as some "crazy idea." The other part of me wanted to laugh, though. The whole, 'bodies just aren't meant to run 26 miles,' is the EXACT SAME LINE I used to use on myself. I was absolutely convinced that running was bad for me and, therefore, I would never get off the couch and try.
Until I actually tried. Everything changed from there. I realized the fact that maybe bodies aren't meant to run more than a few miles is exactly what appealed to me. Now when I run, I am doing something that neither I nor most of the rest of the free world ever believed I could do.
I'm glad I overcame my "running hurts" excuse. As these guys were going back and forth trading excuses for why they don't run, I was able to sit there and know I do run, and I love it. Running definitely doesn't feel awesome all of the time - sometimes it's mighty painful - but it's nothing that's going to kill me. The fact that it makes me feel 100% better both physically and mentally is far enough to outweigh any aches and pains that come with the sport.
And, great. After writing this post, I want to head out for a run even more than I did before. Alas, I'm stuck at work again.
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Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
4 comments:
Hopefully you can sneak a run in there sometime! To feed your hunger! Even if it is just a mile or 2!
Great post!
I have hoverheard many a conversation about the evils of running and how marathoners are killing themselves, but I stick to my experience and those of other marathoners: they seem quite happy and so far, quite healthy.
Okay, I meant "overheard," but "hoverheard" is kinda interesting...it has its own implications.
I know what you mean. Some days, I am just craving a run. Hopefully, you got one in!
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