Well my friends day 50 is here and I'm still putting one foot in front of the other! To celebrate the occasion I've decided to make a rare mid-week post today to update everyone on how it's been going.
It's been an interesting journey so far. A lot easier than I thought it would be. But then again, just adding one more day of running to a schedule that already includes six isn't that overwhelming.
The old body seems to be holding up fairly well. No serious injuries, aches or pains to speak of. Although, yesterday and today I've had some anterior ankle pain on my right foot. The little man is off this week and grandma's pulling extra hours babysitting. So, I opted for just an easy three miles today at the gym. That way I won't push the ankle and grandma gets a break. Realized that I left my lock at the gym last time I was here. Gone now. Bummer! I loved that thing!
Originally I was thinking that I would take it easy on Sundays, my additional day of running, and run a slow easy mile. But as this project moves forward I'm surprised that it has progressed into something else. Something much, much better.
As runners we love our watches, our mile splits and setting PR's. It can be quite addicting seeing constant self improvement. After last year's four PR's and finally breaking four hours in the marathon I'm eager to do even better this year.
But I realize that at some point I'm going to crest that hill and watch my times slow, PR's becoming a thing of the past. I am turning 40 this year after all!
One of the many reasons I started this project was to re-ignite why I love running so much. Over the last ten years I've focused so much on breaking that four hour mark that now I'm a little scared of what's next. I've been trying so long to accomplish this one thing that I've forgotten why I loved running in the first place. What the hell is next?
This project has become the answer I was looking for. Each day of the week I have different workouts that I try to do. Pace runs, cross-training workouts, speed workouts and long distance runs. Rarely do I stray from my self imposed schedule. OCD is awesome if you love to run! If I want to clock a 3:45 this year in the marathon, then it means working hard, sticking to a plan and kicking my butt on a daily basis!
But Sundays, ah Sundays, how I've come to love thee. It's become my most favorite day of all. No schedule, no specific workout, no time goal. Just a simple run. Every one of them have been nothing short of amazing. Each one reminding me that it just feels damn good to be able to do this.
These runs remind me that my body was designed to enjoy this. This is what it was made for after all. Our ancestors didn't have fully stocked refrigerators. They had to chase every meal down. For far too long, day after day we sit at our desks, commute in our cars and come home to plant ourselves on a couch all night long. Where's the fun in that?
Think about what that's doing to your body. Think about what that's doing to your mind. Think about the things you're missing out on.
Running everyday is a challenge. It's something that requires dedication. But it's not the mileage that matters. It's the brilliant sunshine on a Sunday morning as you run by hills of pristine white snow. It's the beauty of the biggest snowflakes you've seen since you were a kid as you cut a swath through them. It's the surprise in a deer's eyes as you run by her on her early morning walk through the woods. It's the quiet peace that's almost tangible as you you run on the trail where your's are the only footprints to be found.
So often I hear runners talk about this PR, that race, that mile pace. But when I think of all the running that I've done in ten years it's not those things I remember. Sure, I love my races, PR's and fast miles. It's all the small things, the training memories, the silly little experiences that you have while out there on the roads that mean the most.
As I continue on this 366 day project I'm starting to realize more than ever, that life, that running, is not about the destination, about the finish line. But about the journey. Only 316 days to go! Get up, get out there and get your own journey on my friends! Run for your life...
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