Do you miss running?

Sunday, February 26, 2012 · Mike Davis

Last weekend in February!

Okay I know it hasn’t been the toughest winter, so being happy that February is just about over seems lame, but now we can look forward to spring! I like snow less and less each passing winter and I do feel bad for those that suffer because of a lack of, so I’m not completely insensitive. I would be happy if there were a snow line somewhere north of Rochester so that our North Country could prosper and all those that enjoy snow activities would have a place to go. Despite the near perfect running conditions we have experienced, I have really struggled lately with my running. Considering I am in training for a marathon, that’s not especially good news.

I’m not a person that normally has a problem with stress, I’m usually quite optimistic and that tends to alleviate stress in my life. Commitment to a marathon however, tends to bring out stress that’s not usually a part of my makeup. For the good part of 10 days now I’ve been battling a virus or nagging cold that has been zapping me of energy and playing with my head. Hills seem like mountains, 7 miles seem like 20 miles and the idea of running anything over 8 miles seems insane! Where do I go from here? Simple answer is; just run. Friday I sat down and looked at what I’ve done so far with my current training and what I have in front of me. Because I have veered off some due to my health, I needed to change my training a bit and infuse some confidence back into my brain. After some math and other considerations, I drew up my running plan going forward.

Having a reasonable plan has restored a bit of my confidence and barring any further setbacks, I can continue my journey to Burlington. As I wrote about recently, running is not easy at times, and for me that’s one of the reasons I love being a runner. Sometimes you have to dig down deep and pick yourself up to finish a run, get through a difficult race or endure the challenges of training. No one is immune from the struggles that come with the dedication to being a runner. Sometimes we lose it altogether and forget how much it means to us. I hear it quite often; “I need to get back to running, but I’m just not motivated.” I can understand that, but I remind myself of what running means to my life and the hole that would be there without it. The reward of finishing a run of any distance is like none other and each one becomes a building block of success. I don’t really think I would feel as good without that in my life.

No doubt there are other activities in life that help us mentally and hopefully physically, but running is unique in all that it offers. Mentally, physically, socially and even competitively, running can change us and help so many other aspects of our lives’. You don’t need to be training for a marathon or even a race to battle the challenges of being a runner, but forgetting the difference running makes in your life is unfortunate.

Now is the time to get back on the road! Find a friend, put on your running shoes, and just start running. It will all come back to you rather quickly and you will realize how much running means to you. If you need some help, by all means, let me know and I will surely help!

Have a great week.