For the Love of Run
Okay, this post was actually intended for celebration of National Running Day. However, that did not workout because instead of running on National Running Day, I ended up going to my nephew’s softball game. That said, I still wanted to celebrate running and what it means to me. So here it goes!
Running has been a passion of mine for many years. I have been running since I was in high school. Although I might have fallen off the wagon a few times, I have always went back to running and love it more than any other sport or workout.
There are many reasons I love running. Shall we list some of them? (Come on, you know the answer to that.)
- Solitude. I usually only like to run alone. I have had a few running buddies in the past. Somehow, I always break up with them in favor of running alone. Sorry Jessica! It’s really not you, it’s me!
- Great workout. After running I always feel as if I have actually done something. I know weight lifting and classes are awesome, but I usually leave these activities feeling like a good, sweaty run would have been a better workout.
- The Challenge. Running can be such a mental and physical challenge. There are always ways to push myself even harder than before. Can I make it over that ginourmous moutain today? Can I run when it is only 32 degrees outside or pouring rain? Can I run 6, 7, 8 miles? All of these are personal challenges and hurdles, and when I tackle each one I feel such a great pride and accomplishment. It is so easy to talk yourself out of doing something that seems impossible, but when you show yourself that it is possible, that’s the best!
I’m sure I will tell you many other reasons why I love running as we get to know one another a little better here in Blogland, but let’s continue with the rest of the blog plans for today. Continuing with the theme, I wanted to layout my new running schedule. After being overburdoned the last couple of months with my Master’s program, I had pretty much quit taken a hiatus from running. I just started back semi-consistently a few weeks ago and so far it is great! Here is my proposed schedule:
Monday – Run 3 steady paced miles.
Tuesday – Run hills 1.5 miles. Followed by full body weight training workout.
Wednesday – Run intervals. Followed by at least 1 mile easy pace.
Thursday – Full body weight training workout, followed by at least 2 mile easy paced run.
Friday or Saturday – Run long run, easy paced at least 6 miles. Other day off day.
Sunday – Off day.
After attempting failing to do a few actual running programs, I have decided it is best for me to not have a program. Instead, I am going to try and stick to this schedule as much as possible, and for the days that other more important things pop up (i.e. movies, homework, eh em…loafing on the couch) I am simply going to follow with the next day’s schedule. I tend to have All-Or-Nothing thinking, and when I follow a strict program and miss a day it makes me feel as if I have failed, which ultimately results in me giving up on the program altogether. Even though I don’t fancy lifting weights, it is something I want to encourage myself to incorporate into my routine, hence the 2 weightlifting days. I also reserve the right to switch any of these days or blow off the entire schedule as neccessary. 🙂
Well, this post is getting a bit lengthy, so let me leave you with a few pics of my favorite running location, which is at one of the local high schools.
**Edited after posting to adjust pics. Sorry for the quality, as previously mentioned, my phone is prehistoric.
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