New Chapter in My Running Life

Wow, I can't believe how much time has passed since my last post and how fast that time has flown by.  My running these past few months has taken a backseat to my new job in the Temecula School District.  I had been job searching for over a year when I finally got this job and I was so thankful.  I thought that I could start training again for the Carlsbad marathon in January, but with the new job and all that goes with starting a brand new program and curriculum I felt that I could not make the commitment to the training schedule and I don't like to do things part way, so I decided to hold off.  I have missed running and the feeling I had of being in super great shape.  Unfortunately, it seems like all the months of hard training has gone out the window in a couple months of not training at all...how quickly the body adapts to not working out.

This past week I have started to run again, and instead of feeling like I have to cover some great distance or run the entire way without stopping, I am taking it slow and appreciating the process.  If I walk, I walk, it doesn't mean I'm any less of a runner right!?  I never want to lose my appreciation of running by pushing myself too hard, or beating myself up for not being fast enough, or not going far enough.  I have had to fully embrace the fact that when I can fit a run into my now crazy schedule, I need to appreciate it no matter how long or short it may be.  It is important to remember that a run is a run, no matter how far or how fast you go!  Just putting on your running shoes and getting out there is an accomplishment in itself!

As I prepare to turn 30 next month, I am increasingly aware of the importance of keeping myself healthy, so beyond thinking about how amazing it would be to cross the finish line of a marathon, I want to keep the big picture in mind which is more than just a finish line, but a way of life.  A life where I feel strong, healthy and happy, and running provides all of these things for me!  I still really want to complete a marathon one day, maybe even next year, but for the time being I just want to run, and enjoy the run, not worry about the distance, the time, or the goal, but just be proud of myself for making it out the door and learn to balance my new job with a running schedule.  I hope everyone will consider trying running at some point in their lives and experience the rewards that it brings!  I know what you might be thinking..."I hate running!"  "I am just not a runner!"  "I can't even run a mile!"  "Running is too hard!"...   I have had all of these thoughts before too, but you never know if you don't give it a fair chance.  There will be days where it sucks and you will hate it, but the good so widely makes up for the bad!  You should give it a try!