I did not want to run today. The thought of putting on running clothes just seemed overwhelming. No reason, it was just one of those days when I hate running.
I put it off as long as I could and finally convinced myself I need to just “man up” and get out the door. From the first step, I knew it was going to be rough run. My legs felt heavy and everything felt tight. I bargained with myself to finish the first mile. My recovery runs these days are supposed to be three miles, so I convinced myself to keep going. At the end of the second mile, my calves were so tight I could hardly run and I was having random other pains. I started counting down by .01of a mile. And then it happened.
I was hit by the “zone.” Suddenly my pace (10:27, 10:28) no longer seemed labored. I felt like I was gliding along. When I hit mile 3 (10:15) I decided to keep going as long as it felt good. At mile 4 (9:56), I was still feeling awesome. Seriously, I felt like I could run forever. Near the end of mile 5, the zone ended as I hit a really big hill, but I still finished mile 5 in 9:30. I did a slow .4 to cool down and hit 30 for the week. (Paces are only included to show that sometimes how good a mile feels bears little to no relation to the speed you do it at.)
Sometimes running surprises you. The first two miles I was composing a post about how much I hate running sometimes. Now running is my BFF.
Once again, running has reminded me that you’ll never regret going out for a run, but you might regret not doing it…
I try to get out there before I think about not doing it. Haha!
I love a story with a happy ending. And what you said is true – you never regret doing a run but you always regret not doing one.
I always hate the first two miles, that is why I don't really like 5K's and tend to try to find 10K's. it takes me 3 miles to warm up. good for you for keeping going, sometimes you just need to get over the hump!
Well said.
That last sentence is so true, I may steal it when I need some motivation!
OH heckfireandshoot YEAH! I am SO glad you had a good run. I was thinking about you this morning, that you were due for a good one. I'm glad it happened! I love that feeling… the ZONE feeling. There is nothing that feels quite a wonderful (well, there are "few" things…) as having a stellar run.
Your last sentence – I've found it to be absolutely true. I read that in a yoga book once; the yogi said he always regretted blowing off a practice, but never regretted making himself practice. That is so true with running – even if I force myself to go and it winds up being a painful run, I'm never sorry that I did it.
love it
This was soooo me yesterday! I had 8 miles on the calendar, and I had no desire whatsoever to run. It took me until about 2:00 to finally get my big girl panties on and get out the door, but the second the cool, fresh air hit my face I was glad to be out there. And it turned out to be a really good run! Funny how that works…
I literally just finished a post on this topic! my relationship with running. I am hoping to get in the zone more and glad you did today!! 🙂
glad it was a pleasant surprise!
Nice run! Sometimes I mentally change how the run is going by thinking about how I'd much rather write a post about an awesome run than a terrible one. Weird, but it works!
I totally agree with your last statement! What fun to have such a good run!
Sometimes it just takes a bit to warm up and "feel" it!
The longer I wait the longer it takes! Congrats on getting it done!
The first two miles ALWAYS suck for me. My brother says I need to warm up for two miles before shorter races so that I'm ready to go for it once the race starts. That's great, but I still have to get through those first two miles and they still suck!Your run sounds marvelous at the end. I could feel your happiness in your words!
I love that last sentence. I often find the runs on the days I battle to get out of bed are the best ones.
My runs start out like that a lot too (except when I dont even force myself out). At least you had the breakthrough! Lately it's rare for me to "loosen up"/zone out 🙁
That is the best feeling when everything suddenly "clicks" mid-run. Nice job getting out there!
Couldn't have said it any better myself! Great post!!
I have had this exact run so many times…thanks for sharing!