Good morning!
I just passed the 2 week mark of my hiatus from running and I can sum my feelings up in 2 words: “It sucks!” We had some nice days that would have been perfect for a run, and other days that would not have been ideal, I miss running on both! Running is like nothing else I do in my life; its physical and mental benefits are lifelines that other activities fall short of offering. I am sure if you are a runner you have no problem understanding this. I have stolen this quote (unknown author) and used it many times: “When we finish a run, we are not the same person we were when we started.” This quote very much represents me and how running impacts me consistently.
When I move those running shoes, I not only give myself the opportunity to get physically stronger, but I enjoy the distraction-less world that allows for greater mental clarity. I am certainly like many others, in that I can find a lot of meaningless distractions in my daily life, all the while missing out on mindfulness that can be cleansing. Every day, I spend time reading my Bible and trying not only to grow my relationship with God but develop mindfulness. While that is an important part of my day, I can honestly say I struggle with the level of focus I would like to have. Running on the other hand, is different for me because my brain somehow accepts that other distractions are limited, thus freeing me to be in the moment for the period of time I am running. I have come up with some of my best ideas during a long run.
There are certainly other activities that others would say provides them with the same mental relief I get from running. Biking on a country road for miles would seem to offer the same benefit, but for me that time might be enjoyable, but does not have the same affect mentally.
Having worked with many running groups and individual runners, I came to understand how important running can be to those that laced up those running shoes and quite honestly, that knowledge led to “No Finish Line Running.” While many runners want to run further and faster, most really want to run! NFLR came about because we understood that running long term meant running healthy and happy. What good is it to run your fastest race ever, if it led to an injury or you did not have fun getting there. Our team of certified coaches are trained to coach healthy running and our training plans are designed as such, but we also understand that void of enjoyment, running will be short lived.
My time off from running has not been easy, but I am using it productively. NFLR coach Kathy Davis is not only an ACE certified personal trainer but is closing in on a degree in “Health & Fitness Science.” She combined here knowledge as a running coach and in strength training to design me a strength training plan that focuses on my functional weaknesses that adversely affect my running. Yesterday we also did a spin class, which was not all that enjoyable, but gave me some much needed cardio. So, while I am missing out on needed mental relief from running, I am using the downtime to help my long term running.
Have a great week and enjoy the Super Bowl!
God Bless!
Mike
