I haven’t run since Wednesday. It is now Sunday.
“ACCORDING TO AN RW POLL, 65% OF RESPONDENTS FEEL GUILTY AFTER NOT RUNNING FOR A DAY OR TWO; 4% NEVER FEEL GUILTY.” I saw this at the end of a recent Runner’s World article.
A few months ago, I would’ve been panicked about missing a couple runs. Oh no. I’m going to lose my fitness. I won’t remember how to run. I’m going to get out of the habit. I must run now no matter what. Look out, people, I’m going running. No, I do not care if we had plans. I. Gotta. Run. Now.
Today, I’m like, Huh, it’s been since Wednesday since I’ve been on a run. I’m not broken up about it. Friday, I had plans with T Junior, Miss Goober, Zoë and Chelsea. Saturday, Chelsea and I made and froze a bunch of meals, then hung out drinking the occasional cocktail and playing catch with T Junior while watching football and the puppies.
A couple of weeks ago, I decided I needed to get 1,000 miles for the year. Like really do it. After all, I’ve been signed up for Tall Mom on the Run‘s group since the beginning of 2011. I was taking extra walks and running more for a couple weeks. And it was sort of fun, and a challenge (which I like).
But then I had to be honest with myself. My left shin was getting more and more sore. I was starting to worry about it a little. Funny thing is I noticed it when I was walking more. I guess that makes sense, though, since my PT told me over the summer, “You’re running form is actually better than your walking form.”
Anyway, I decided to go back to running 3 days a week and then insert more strength workouts on non-running days. Maybe I’ll even take a yoga class or sign up for boot camp. I just decided this last week, so technically, I’ve only missed one run: Sunday. So there!
What really made me feel good about my decision was the article in Runner’s World about scaling back on the miles in winter.
Go HERE for the article. |
Taking a break is a good thing. It gives your body time to repair muscles. Besides, running is such a way of life now, I know I won’t go back to my old sedentary ways. Funny thing is, I lose a little weight when I scale back on my running because I’m not using mileage as a reason why I can eat more. So, I’m down 1.5 pounds over last week. (I also cut out having dessert every night. That helps.)
So maybe I won’t be hitting Mile 1,000 this year, but I’m fine with that. And I’m also just fine with the fact that I didn’t get up and go running this morning.
Today, I’m in the 4 percent. Come on over. It’ll be okay!
6 comments
I'm sure that I should be more like the 65%, but just can't seem to bring myself to stress out about it. It's a double-edged sword… 🙂
It's okay to miss a run here or there. You'd be surprised that sometimes our bodies need those few days off to recoup. When you hit e pavement again you'll probably feel revived and full of energy. So look at these days off as much needed rest.
Yep, it is okay. Although I do get the huge guilty feelings at time. Usually it if life/injury that forces me to slow down. It bugs me initially and then I come to terms with it and realize my body is healing, I will be fine, and perhaps a better runner at the end. Right? (Please say yes.)
yep, totally OK! i feel guilty if i miss more than two days in a row of running too…it's like i'm afriad that i'll fall off the wagon or something, even though running/working out is a part of who i am!
I'm scaling back on my running at the moment and trying to build up a little strength instead. It's running three times a week and weights twice a week. I'm not a big fan of strength work but I know how good it is for me – especially now I'm getting older.
I have learned that missing a couple of days here or there won't make a difference in the grand scheme of things – but I STILL obsess over my stats and feel guilty if I don't fit them in.