The last few months have been really challenging for me. I’m overcommitted and stressed out. I’m finding the transition to the kids being in school more hours a lot more difficult than I expected. Not because I wish the kids were with me more (don’t get me wrong, I love them, but we get along a lot better when I get a break), but because I’m finding myself a lot more isolated. When I have the kids, we get out of the house a lot, usually with friends. When they are at school, I find myself at home by myself for the majority of the time. I’m either working, running, or doing chores, not getting out and meeting up with other moms. The extrovert in my is not enjoying that.
Add in lack of sleep, a cold, and hormones and you get a mom on the edge. When I get like that, the last thing I *want* to do and the thing I *need* to do most is go for a run. I didn’t run Monday or Tuesday and really didn’t want to run today. I used the excuse that the cold was going to make it hard to breathe. After all, this weekend proved that, right?
Anyways, I had put on my running clothes when I first woke up and I had on my Vibrams from taking the kids to school, so I told myself I had to run a mile. I would just run (at whatever pace felt good) down to the half mile point and then turn around and come home. I’m sure you all know me well enough now to realize I didn’t stop at a mile. ;o)
I ended up doing some hill repeats to work on my downhill running in the Vibrams and then I wandered around my neighborhood until I hit 4.2 miles. As it turns out, my “happy pace” today was a ten minute mile. And that happy pace took me back to my happy place.
I haven’t resolved any of my problems, nor have I moved any of my responsibilities off of my plate, but at least now I feel like I have the energy and focus to work on them, instead of sitting here feeling sorry for myself.
And that, my friends, is why I run. Not for speed or distance or so I can drink beer. I run to make the rest of my life easier to handle.
Amen sista!!! Soooo glad you feel better 🙂
Running cures all! (Well, most.)I do find that the last thing I want to do is run when I need a run the most. Glad you got out there to do what you needed to do!
Ah, yes! Running always makes me feel better, but it's the last thing I want to do when I'm feeling my worst. Good for you for talking yourself into that first mile!
Just glad you know that running can help you! You've got a good mindset about it.
Amen! And if you ever want to cross over the bridge for coffee or a run in DC, let me know.
No question it is good therapy! Hope the stresses ease up a bit–working from home, being a mom, training for races–it's a ton to juggle. I'm glad you got out there.
what is the saying….running is cheaper than therapy??? i absolutely understand what you mean. the past 9 freakin no running weeks have wreaked havoc on my mental health. i fell totally depressed and grouchy, i cant wait to be able to get my "therapy sessions" in once my knee pain subsides.
I'm really proud of you for going out there and challenging yourself.I had the same realization this week for myself. I'm working at home now, the hubbs can work up to 12 hour days, all my clients I communicate through the phone and email – so there are days at a time when I don't leave the house or really see anyone besides the dog. Sometimes a week or two has gone by and I have only ventured out to dogpark and the grocery store or gym – all a 3 mile radius.I had a little mental colapse with this isolation on Friday night when the hubbs was supossed to be home and then got caught up at work and we had to cancel dinner plans. So I went for a run. And I felt better. This is one of the reasons I run too, it makes me able to cope with everything else.Big hug to you – enjoy the rest of your Wednesday!
I'm glad your run made you feel better. I get in a funk when I feel isolated too. I dread the run but then am always so glad I got out there and did it.
simply put – i love this post. i can relate to how you are feeling on every level, and i'm so happy you got out there and gave yourself that run!
Yes! I love this post – it's right on the money!
way to get out of a funk!!!
Have you read Spark? really great book about how exercise (primarily running) really helps regulate neurochemistry and also female hormones. Hope you continue to feel better. I often feel isolated since we live out in the boonies, and it can certainly get you down.
I will have to remember that one mile trick when I am feeling reluctant. Good idea.
Okay, tomorrow I'll go for a run…maybe I'll feel better. I've been pretty exhausted fighting this cold over the last few days and didn't run yesterday or today. Don't want to make it worse…tomorrow, I go 🙂 Thanks!
Really proud of you for getting out there when it is THE last thing you want to do. Glad you're feeling better able to cope!
While running and after running, it's easy to remember what a great cure-all it is, but yet still so hard to get out the door sometimes. Glad the run brought you back to your happy place!
I've been making excuses for not running too lately. Mostly 'it's really dark' since I go out first thing in the morning. Tomorrow though, I'm definitely going to run. Even though I know that I love it so much, it's sometimes hard to get out there. Great job getting out there today.
I agree that running keeps me sane. TG for the biking to help with that or I would be way nuts since not running for so long!
Glad to know that the run made everything better. I agree with you on "I run to make the rest of my life easier to handle."
Sometimes it is tough to get out there, but I always feel good when I'm done! Keep on doing it!
Nice! I always find when I talk myself into doing "just 2" miles, I always end up doing more! (and I NEVER regret it!)
Great post! Glad you were able to get out there and get the run in when you needed it.
Awesome post! Totally in agreement. I really noticed it when I was tapering for my marathon and BW went to his once a week preschool and running wasn't on the agenda that day. I think I'm in trouble when we hit formal school.Glad you feel better!
Awesome post! Totally in agreement. I really noticed it when I was tapering for my marathon and BW went to his once a week preschool and running wasn't on the agenda that day. I think I'm in trouble when we hit formal school.Glad you feel better!
I am in a little bit of a post marathon funk myself. Maybe I need to get out there for a few more runs:) Glad to hear that you are feeling better!
GREAT POST!!!! I feel the same way, even though it can be tough, running makes life easier, mentally at least!