I didn’t run all week. I am suffering from that same malaise I’ve had for a couple of weeks. I can’t seem to drag myself out into the dark in the mornings.
So I was really looking forward to this weekend’s run(s). Then my husband told me he had plans out of town on Saturday, so I would have to run only on Sunday. No biggie.
After a busy Saturday of kid-filled activities, I was looking forward to a peaceful early morning run all by myself. Two hours of solitude. Then my husband decided that it would be better not to drive home late Saturday night. He would head home Sunday morning. Sigh.
Finally, Sunday morning around 10:30 I went out for my run. There was a hazy overcast sky and it was starting to get hot*. Yikes. That meant a lovely sauna to run in. My two hours of solitude turned into an hour and twenty minute slugfest.
I did think a lot about the LA Marathon runners** and how they must have been feeling. Was it as hot through the streets of LA? I was sure it was. The ocean must have been nice. Maybe the marine layer cooled things down.
I had such high hopes for my run. It was going to help me feel better mentally. It was going to be my time alone; my time to just “be.” It was a hard week emotionally and I had looked forward to this time. Instead, it was a struggle. I was hot and thirsty. I went through my entire twenty ounces of water in an eight mile run. I intended to run at least ten miles, but decided to turn around after four miles. I just wasn’t feeling it. Eight was fine after not running for a week, right?
So often we think of our running as the “magic pill” keeping our spirits up and head clear. Sometimes running is just running. We put one foot in front of the other and try to get from point A to point B. I am sure I will have a “magic pill” kind of run one of these days, but I need to be ok when the endorphins don’t make all my anxiety disappear. I am just thankful that I am able to run; that I am healthy and can run a crappy eight mile run on any given day. If I stop to think about it, that’s pretty awesome. A few years ago, just running around the block would have been an accomplishment.
Happy Running.
*It was 82 degrees as I ran by the bank and insurance office on my way home.
**Danica, Billy, and Glenn were all running the LA Marathon. I kept checking my phone to see Twitter updates.
12 comments:
8 is great after a week off! and in the warmer temps - it may not be reading significantly higher on the thermometer, but it's still creeping up there and i totally use the "acclimating" excuse all the time :)
it's hard to want to run in the dark morning, and then it's hard to want to run after a long day of work/etc too... some days you should give yourself a break and others you just have to force yourself out the door. i am right there with you. just keep putting one foot in front of the other and those good runs are bound to come back soon.
"I am just thankful that I am able to run; that I am healthy and can run a crappy eight mile run on any given day. If I stop to think about it, that’s pretty awesome." That sums it all up. A "crappy" run on a hot day is better than no run at all. Sometimes we need a reality check. Looks like you got yours. I think that you still kicked "assphault" by running in the heat. I also think that your plans having to be changed a few times may have added to your crappy feeling. I've been there. Anyhow, congrats on running the eight, and I'm sure your "runner's high" run will be soon. Keep smiling, Lisa.
I know exactly how you feel... But, you know, when those kind of runs happen, well, it's just bliss.
Your post came at the perfect time for me. I'm lying here in my couch angry at myself for not finishing the 6.5 mile run that I had hoped would be my "magic pill." I was so upset that I couldn't even blog about it... But I realized that EVERYONE has those days... Even a kick ass runner such as you. Thanks for lifting my spirits. You'll rock the next one, I'm sure!
i agree! and it helps put things in perspective for me after a not-so-good 12-mile attempt of my own
thanks for your work
Good post... even when the run isn't the "magic pill", as long as you can recognize the accomplishment is getting out to do what you could that day, that's golden! 8 miles is great, you're great!
Good point on that. the next one will be better, though, and you'll remember why you love it.
I'm starting to come back to life today.
About the heat on Sunday - you know- it didn't really seem that hot - but I think it was the fact it was just kind of hazy all day. I easily went through 100 oz of water during the race, and had 1 1/2 liters aftrwards and was still suffering. I was like a human salt tablet afterwards.
It was when I got home and my wife showed me how sunbrned I was that it all kind of hit - the heat and humidity was a little sauna like I guess.
I tweeted! Glad you got them and I'm sorry that it was warm for you. It was so warm in LA until we got closer to the beach. :/
I'm sorry it was so warm and not the peaceful, zen run you'd hoped for. I love your attitude though! Sometimes all we can ask is that our feet move one in front of the other and get something done. Even though it sucked, your body thanks you for keeping it healthy.
Wishing you better runs in the future!
Hey I am really liking the updates to your blog - the "you might like these other posts" with pics are very cool.
I'm so sorry things are so stressful for you guy these days. I'm guessing that even though you didn't say it outright, it's the job stuff. I wish I could meet you in person to give you a hug like I did with Penny last weekend. Guess if I could meet her, living as far apart as we do, there's hope for us too. :-)
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