It's Back to Square One for this Runner

I've come to a conclusion: I am never going to get back on track in terms of my running unless I admit to myself that I've fallen behind, and that I need to go back to square one and start working up my endurance again. As it is, I've taken way too many days off over the course of this summer, meaning I get mad at myself when I do run because I can't go the 5 or 6 miles I had become used to logging this spring. So instead of feeling energized to go back out the next night and conquer the streets, I sulk at home because the previous run was so disappointing.

So, I've decided to re-start a training plan. I'm making it my goal to run 2, 2, and 2.5 miles this week, 2, 2, and 3 the next, etc... it's loosely based on the old Higdon plan I was using. I don't even know at this point if I'm working up to a specific race. I really just want to feel healthy again. It pains me to see such low mileage when I know a few months ago, I was capable of more, but I also know this is part of training myself to be a lifelong runner. I have to accept that there will be good stretches and bad stretches, and I have to learn to allow my training to work around whatever's happening in my life.

Part of what's made me realize I have to get back on the ball is that I haven't been sleeping well at all during the past few weeks. I've tried everything from sleeping in the other bedroom to taking a dose of Benadryl before bed, and I still toss and turn. I really believe this is because I haven't been exercising, and my body is rejecting the way it feels in every possible way.

Anyway, the great news is that the plumbers - yup, that's plural - fixed our pipe issue yesterday. After a hefty price and a night spent bleaching crap off our laundry room floor, our house is back to good-as-new and we're able to shower in our own home again. Which means, even though it's 95 degrees outside today and I'm going to be a sweaty mess, I can fit in my 2 miles and look forward to the relief of a cold shower afterwards.