It’s been five months since the New York City Marathon.
Five months of a complicated relationship with running.
I’ve obviously continued running since the marathon but my desire and love for the sport hasn’t been constant. Running wasn’t as fun for a while. It was a chore. A chore that I gritted my teeth and did because “that’s what runner’s do.” I had some leftover energy from the marathon but my real priority was maintaining my fitness. Because losing fitness is the absolute worst thing in the world…
After the marathon I was physically worn-out and my body was telling me (knee pain, slight hip pain, general exhaustion). While I did decrease my mileage and intensity it was not enough for a full mental or physical recovery. It was enough to lose a significant amount of running speed and endurance, which, looking at the big picture, I’m not at all mad about. (It’s actually kind of fun to see progress while regaining fitness).
Five months later I’m regaining my running mojo.
So what clicked after all this time? While I can’t pin-point one thing I can say that time away from running (consistently) helped. Since the new year I’ve been better at not forcing myself to run just because it’s been two, three, four, five days off. I’ve run based on the weather, my energy level and schedule. I’ve taken it day-by-day.
Lately? I’ve been excited to run. I’ve enjoyed my time on the roads (or treadmill). Let’s hope I didn’t jinx myself…
Believe me when I say that I understand how hard it can be to not follow a plan. But after four months of a plan it’s nice not having to look at a schedule. I think having a mix of both “planned” running/training and “free” running is a good balance for me, because I do like both sides.
My mileage may not be high and my pace may not be fast, but my love of running is back. Let me tell you, it’s a beautiful feeling.
*Linking up to the Fit-Dish. Thanks so much Jill and Jessica!