Running on Purpose

I've been a runner pretty much my entire life. 

As a kid, I ran around my backyard playing intense games of freeze tag with my neighborhood friends and on the school playground during recess. All through middle school and high school, I ran my tushy off as a midfielder in soccer and an 800-meter runner in track. And let's not forget all of the running I did on the marching band field. I mean, someone had to keep those drumline boys in check.

Okay, okay, so I didn't really run much more than the average Jane or Joe growing up. Running had always just been a part of the gambit. It was a second thought. Sometimes, it was sheer mindless activity.

But college changes everything. 

 

Nothing I did anymore required me to run. I didn't have a coach yelling at me to go run laps, and I was hard-pressed to find a bunch of 18- and 19-year-olds willing to partake in a game of freeze tag. If I was going to run, it had to be my own personal choice to do it. So one day, I tied up my laces and jetted out of my dorm room for a nice, leisurely run. 

 

NOT.

 

It was torture. Pure torture, I tell you! By the time I made it about three blocks down Pine Street, I remember asking myself what the hell I was doing. I stopped. I walked. And I shunned myself for the terrible shape I was in. 

 

And then I gave it another try. 

 

Each time I would go for a run thereafter, I would tack on one minute. Yes, I said one minute, you jerk. Do you know how long that is in doggy years? And, eventually, it got easier. It got more pleasant. And without me even realizing it, it was gradually becoming an obsession.

 

About 10 years have passed since the running fever hit me. I've kept up the craze ever since, but it hasn't come easy. Probably because I've always been painstakingly hard on myself. Anytime I defeat a challenge, I'm ready to up the ante and take on the next. 

 

But I've learned to breath a little easier—and not just because I've built up my stamina! I've retrained my brain to think differently about running. It's no longer something I feel like I should do; it's something I want to do.   

I ran 11 miles this morning. For some, that may seem ludicrous, but more seasoned runners would scoff at that puny mileage. For me, for today, it was the perfect amount.

If the thought of running scares you, or you run occasionally and would like to make it a more routine activity, I recommend scoping out the Lazy Girl Running blog and the Runner's World website. Both offer great tips for newbie and novice runners who want to 

amp up their running game.

My husband, Chris, and I after completing our first half-marathon together
in summer 2013. Best believe a beer (and a shower) shortly followed.

I also welcome any questions you may have about getting started—just shoot them my way! I'd also love to hear about your own personal challenges and triumphs when it comes to running.

 

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my cup of post-run coffee. And then probably a post-run beer a little later. 

 

Cheers!

Mikaela