I had a twinge of sadness when I turned on the news this morning and saw footage of the 5th annual Brooksie half marathon. Runners were coming in, and the weather was perfect – cool and clear, leaves glowing in the early morning sunshine. I trained for the first annual Brooksie (named after the deceased son of our county executive). I over trained and ended up with a stress fracture in my foot that prevented me from running it. And I haven’t run since.
Apparently time has gotten away from me. I had no idea so many years have passed. This is the 5th annual run. That means I haven’t run in four years? How can that be? Four years? No way!
I watch runners as I drive back and forth to work or to the grocery store. I think nostalgically of my own running days. My running friends. But then I don’t put the shoes on, don’t head out the door. This weekend is a perfect example. Both mornings were beautiful. Perfect. Did not move from the sofa.
And then this morning, while sitting on the sofa, I read Heather’s blog, a post where she took us on her four mile run. It looked so much like my own favorite neighborhood four mile route. Sort of inspiring…don’t you think. Should I head out? Really? Maybe not all four miles, not right away.
But still…
Change Is Hard 
September 30, 2012 at 9:45 am
I miss running too. I loved that runner’s high, plus the solitude of an early morning run. Then, I remember the pain I ended up with after having to run further and further to get that high. I was running 10 miles a day, doing 7 minute miles, until my hip told me it couldn’t take it anymore. That was 20 years ago! But, I still miss it. Really wish that running weren’t so hard on the body, because I’m sure I’d be out there too.
LikeLike
September 30, 2012 at 10:03 am
Well I never ran that far or that fast every day. But I liked the friendships I made…and I loved the early mornings outdoors. Which I could still enjoy at a slower pace. So no excuses for me I guess. It’s just so hard to get started again…and I agree it is hard on the body…but still….
LikeLike
September 30, 2012 at 10:11 am
Awww, Dawn, I am sad for you. It sounds like you had a great love of running. Maybe you could just run a mile? If I could run a mile I would think it WAS a marathon!
LikeLike
September 30, 2012 at 11:53 am
If your day “down there” is anything like ours “up here” I’d suggest you get out and enjoy it 🙂 Go for the walk, and I bet some enthusiasm will sprinkle over into some jogging. Fall is a tough time of year to get back into running – our roads aren’t exactly running-friendly in the winter – but I bet you’ll be happy you did. Especially if you don’t allow yourself to overdo it (pot calling the kettle black here – I can be a severe goal-post mover!).
LikeLike
September 30, 2012 at 12:30 pm
I have never been a runner beyond once buying the perfect sweat suit and reeboks (it’s been awhile) running to the end of block and deciding I hated it. I did love the blue sweat suit for years as lounge wear. Funny think tho when I hear about ALL my friends running 2 or 30 miles I always think, “I wish I could do that.” I should add, without actually doing it. I want the sense of accomplishment without the effort I guess. Don’t we all. I have been inspired to walk more tho. Rascal never bugs me for a walk but does love it when we go for one and the weather has been so perfect.
Go for it Dawn..it might be harder if you never start.
LikeLike
September 30, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Time passes, our bodies no longer work the way they used to but as long as they still work, we have to appreciate that. And, Dawn, Heather invited us to “walk” along with her, which I did and thoroughly enjoyed. Walking is much better for the body. Repeat after me.
LikeLike
September 30, 2012 at 3:13 pm
I’ve never been much of a runner, but I LOVE to power-walk! The Sheltie and I make it a point to walk lots (sometimes, several times a day, especially in the Fall!). It sounds as if you truly miss running, so I’d encourage you to get back into it. Maybe not all half-marathon at once, but at least start. Now, before it gets all snowy. Our neck of the woods is far too pretty not to be outside enjoying it right now!
LikeLike
September 30, 2012 at 8:58 pm
I have never been a runner either but I sure do look forward to my morning walk in my neighborhood with Ricky. Maybe you could start with that. Or what about biking? I used to bike often and it is very enjoyable.
LikeLike
October 1, 2012 at 3:01 am
I’m never a runner but I love jogging and I used to jog a lot. However, this shortened my hamstrings and I started to feel discomfort in my legs. Then, one day I met a yoga teacher and she told me I should do yoga in order to stretch the hamstrings. That is how I started doing yoga. I am half retired from jogging since then but sometimes I do miss the feeling of running/ jogging .
LikeLike
October 1, 2012 at 9:59 am
Having had Lupus since I was 20 – running/jogging has never been a part of my life…..but walking has been. I made the decision one year to walk down every street in my town – it took me two years but i did it……and I would often be out 2-3 a morning….I loved it. I preferred walking by myself though I just enjoyed being able to go where ever I wanted …lost in my own thoughts and music 🙂 Oh….I did use to take my Sheltie girl Beezy with me…until she got to old. She retired when she was 18….but we had many many walking years and adventures together before that.
LikeLike
October 1, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Start with walking. The if you can consistently do that. Maybe start running if you want.
LikeLike
October 1, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Hi Diana! Nice to see you here. Yes that is excellent advice…I do walk most days at work…at lunch…for two reasons. One to avoid getting sucked into the fast food habit…and two to get our of the office. I enjoy that. Am thinking about bringing my running duds to work and running there while it’s still light out after work.
LikeLike