Sunday, March 27, 2011

Harder Than Advertised

I'm still running, in case you were curious.  Sometimes I have a tendency to abandon these "missions" that I get into my head.  Sometimes I fall off the wagon.  I have tied myself to this wagon and I'm not letting go.  This chick is running a 5K, alright?

So running... it's still happening. But it's harder than I thought.  Why can't I just jump on a treadmill and run 10 miles, you know?  I get to the gym all motivated and ready to rock at running. Then, poof! I'm five minutes in and all that motivation dissolves.  My muscles hurt, I've got a cramp, my nose is running (more than I am)... etc. Not good.

I push through and I do the best I can, but some days are such a struggle that I do think about jumping from the wagon.  Will it ever get easier? Am I training the right way? What if I don't make it?

Then I have days like Thursday, when I manage to run for 18 minutes straight, no break. A record for me.  I was feeling good, almost like I could call myself a runner.  Almost. 

And just as quickly, the pendulum swings back the other way and I have a day like yesterday. We decided to go for a jog outside (gym was super busy) and I go about 2 minutes before I want to die.  Hills. Cold air. Pavement.  Things I don't encounter on the treadmill, things I will encounter when I attempt that 5k.  What happens when I get off that treadmill? What's the big deal about running outside? 

Why I am torturing myself like this?

Right, new commitment to fitness. Right.  Stay focused, Haddad.  Stick with it.

But in all seriousness, this is so much harder than it looks. I'm doing my best and I'm improving, for sure. I just wish it wouldn't take so darn long.

And as for that pavement.... you better look out. As soon as it gets warmer, I'm comin' for you.

2 comments:

The Witty Fool said...

I often find my discipline for running is an appropriate corollary to that for writing. I love both activities... but then once it becomes something I should be doing... I completely erase all memory of why I want to do it. And... oddly enough, I find the oxygen that gets to my brain whilst running is most excellent for those stumbling blocks of creativity.

There are so many cliches about woulds and shoulds... but MAJOR kudos for doing it when you don't want to. I do find is that often the run I least want to start is often the one I most enjoy finishing. I wish you the same happy finish to the goal of the 5K. That is awesome... and inspiring. :)

Stephanie said...

Thanks, Jessie!! It's always good to hear I'm not alone. I've just started running and now I'm seeing what's so great about it. I really hope this can continue to be as much a part of my life as writing :) Best to you as well!

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