Have you ever written a post where you thought you were saying one thing, but it really didn’t come out that way? Yesterday’s post was pretty much that.
Emily hit the nail on the head with her comment: “running is therapeutic. and if, as a runner, you need to take advantage of that and let it all out on the road, then good god do it up.”
I run because it is my anti-depressant. I don’t run to be fit or fast or hit a particular mileage. Those are all nice things, but they are secondary to the primary purpose. Somehow, running flips a switch in my brain and makes me a much happier person. What I didn’t realize was that not every run works in that way for me.
Lately, I’ve felt a bit like someone dimmed the lights a little bit. Things bothered me more. I wanted to spend more time curled up under a blanket. I stopped wanting to comment on people’s blogs. I snapped at my kids more. I just felt blah.
I couldn’t figure it out. I’ve been eating healthy. I was getting decent amounts of sleep. I was running a ton at a comfortable pace. Life wasn’t any more stressful than normal.
Then I ran hard on Saturday. And somehow, that turned the lights back up. I’ve felt better the last few days than I had in a while. In fact, yesterday I felt so good I actually added miles to a run just because I felt like it. It’s nice to feel more like myself again.
It’s not about speed, it’s about effort. Apparently, I needed that “run at the threshold” effort to flip the switch in my brain. And now that I know that, I just need to figure out how to incorporate that into my training plan. Or just race every weekend. ;o)
Giveaway winner coming up soon!
I'm sorry. I am going to have to call you out on this. If by "therapeutic" you mean you are a getting high, then I'll buy it.Check out what I mean – http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/01/11/marijuana.exercise.reut/
Jamoosh is TOTALLY on target with one of the reasons why I RUN. Just sayin'….I got it yesterday though, I thought you were clear.
I'm with G. I thought you said it pretty well yesterday.
yesterday sounded good to me. i am realizing with no running how much I do need it. (ask my family. My 10 year old wants to write a healing letter to my MD) I am not particularly a speed person, but it amazing how fast you get just by slow and steady! then on race day you can let it all out:) great post.
I've felt this way when I've stopped running before. No running in my life=serious risk of depression. I'm glad your run flicked on the lights for you and I hope it continues to work its magic.
I agree. I am often told to go for a run. It means I need a mental break.My running is my time.
I completely hear you on this. Running has been there for me so many times. Right now, without it, well, I'm just not a happy person. It sucks, BADLY, and I need it back in my life.
I get depressed a little if I stop running. If I am moody or just sad my husband has to ask how long it has been since I ran. If it has been more than one day, he sends me out the door to log miles.
I get the same way when I don't run. Everything seems gray and I lose all motivation. My husband usually notices the signs and makes me get out and run.
Makes perfect sense – sorry if I misunderstood your post. My comment probably seemed as though it's all about speed, but I *know* that's not what it's about for you.
Running is SO therapudic! And I think running at threshold pace is partly runners high and partially just mixing it up and making it more fun. Even pace runs every day can just get boring.
yesrunningISmy xanax.no. joke.
amen. glad you figured out what you need. now just to figure out where to put it.
Yeah to the magic light switch!
I think whichever way you look at it, works! I too think going a little past my "comfort zone" is better for my soul!!
I hear you. I experience the same thing.
i hate that when I post something and it's very clear to me, but the comments don't quite line up…running is therapy and sometimes it requires an easy long never ending run and sometimes it requires pedal to the metal effort…every day it changes with us and that's why i love it!
Glad you got that burst you needed!
um i am so runblog bipolar too. sometimes they motivate/inspire me and others i am too "pissy" to read/comment! glad you were able to get out for run and clear the 'fog'!
I completely agree! Starting my day off with a run always puts me in a good mood. I notice that I'm happier, more relaxed, and can accomplish more. A running mom is a happy mom!!