this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2023
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Running
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It took me like four years before I finally ran through the winter without a significant break. So don't beat yourself up if it happens. You just get back on the horse as soon as you can. The thing that always forced me back outside was the impending half marathon that I never miss in early May, and I'll be damned if I'm going to try to run that without training!
My daily mileage changes a lot throughout the week and the seasons. This week was pretty normal for this time of year. I had 5 miles easy yesterday, 8 with speed work today, 7 with hills on Thursday, 4 easy on Friday and 12 on Sunday. (That Sunday run is usually easy, but sometimes there's a progression run or fast finish depending on what I'm training for.)
I started running because I felt like shit after walking a mile. Then found out I had high cholesterol. After a few months of diet and exercise my numbers improved dramatically, which meant I wouldn't need medication, but I knew that it wouldn't last if I didn't keep working. But honestly I wasn't actually pleased with running or with my physical health until about 6 years in. I don't think it should have to take that long, though. The trick for me was getting a dietician. I worked with her for about a year and I really got my food dialed in and my weight under control. (Insurance even covered it!)
Whatever your journey is like, it sounds like you're doing everything right. If you want to chat more I'm happy to keep the conversation going. Feel free to send me a message if you want.
That's a good motivator and probably a trick I might try myself!
Your routine sounds tough compared to my 3.5 ish miles a day. I know I'll get there eventually but good for you l! That's impressive.
Part of my journey is the same. I was overweight and going down a bad health path. I started walking and that helped me lose weight. Then, I started eating less food and better food which made me feel better so I started introducing runs to further improve. The results have been ideal so I know I need to make running part of my life. I'm really enjoying it so far.
This routine was tough when I started it a few years ago. But eventually you get acclimated and it's easy peasy. But you build up to it I imagine that things will become daunting again when I ramp up to new distances, but for now I've been doing this for so long it's just part of my life. I even look forward to long runs. And on days when I don't feel like running, which is rare, it's never a struggle to just go out anyway.
It's a good sign if you're enjoying it already. I love how I can take it everywhere I go. I used to only do gym work, but being outside and discovering new terrain is just so much better.
That's what I do as well. Even if I have to go light, I still make sure to at least go through the motions if I'm feeling lazy or uninterested. I'm trying to build the habit.
I used to be big on the gym as well. I think you're right about how much better it is to be outside and see new terrain. A couple days ago I did a run early in the morning and got to see part of the meteor shower. You can't get that in a gym.