Usually running is my stress release. When I’m feeling down or stressed or just plain overwhelmed by life, a nice run will straighten me out. It’s not often that I find that not running is a better idea.
Wednesday I had reached a low that I hadn’t in a long time. I was tired, stressed, and just plain crabby. When the sitter came over, I decided that I just needed a break and that running was causing some of the stress because of the upcoming marathon. I ended up making a quick trip to the grocery store and then went to the local running store to buy a couple of birthday presents. I got a new hat that seems like it might absorb more sweat (and thereby keep the sweat out of my eyes), some new socks, a few new things to try for fuel, and a new fuel belt. My old belt has always been a bit too big and I’ve been destroying the interior by hooking the velcro too tight. The new belt is a size smaller and fits a lot better. By the time I got home, I was feeling much more relaxed.
I had planned to run today instead, but it just didn’t happen. We met up with some friends this morning and then Jones had “meet the teacher” night at his school. And I won’t run tomorrow (except maybe a short, slow run) because I don’t do well with a run right before my long run. I’ve realized I just need to be more flexible about my training schedule. I’ve been really uptight about needing to run EXACTLY what I’m supposed to and it’s beginning to take a toll on me. Obviously I’ll get my long runs in (and I may actually do 2 or 3 20 mile runs instead of 18, 19, 20) and I will run at least twice during the week, but I’ve got to just cut myself some slack. I’m not a professional runner. Running is not my life. Things will be crazy soon with school and soccer and birthdays and who knows what all else, so I need to remember my goal is to “beat the bridge” and finish the marathon, not to finish in a specific time. I’ll save those goals for shorter distances.