Running Reflections of a 43 Year Old

 

Join the fun runs for FUN because that's what will keep you coming back.  Fun fact, I've done this run for the two years it's been happening at our lake and this year they've asked me to be the PHOTOGRAPHER.  

This is a runners reflective post.  My blogger friend Mireille from https://chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com/ asked me to be on her blog for a runner's spotlight series that she is doing.  I really enjoy following Mireille blog and daily adventures on IG as well, so I was thrilled to be asked.  Here are my random, yet reflecting thoughts, on running.

1. How and when did you start running?

That's a great question that made me think way back.  I initially became interested in running while in University and nannying for a woman that I became friends with and very much admired and looked up to.  She was a runner and inspired me to try it.  I did my first 10 km run in honor of Terry Fox and was hooked on the feeling of accomplishment.  I did my first half-marathon in 2008 when my daughter was 18months and those two distances continue to be my go-to.

2. What keeps you running?
Honestly, I came into it because I was obsessed with exercise and controlling my weight as a young adult.  Long ago I worked on that and running became my outlet for stress management, feelings I didn't know how to process, and just overall happiness and sense of accomplishment I get when I am running.  In the last decade my best friend moved back to our city and now we run together.  The time together is my social outlet, therapy and overall makes me feel healthy and strong.  I get very agitated when I can't move daily.

Crossing the half-marathon line last fall with my BFF as she completed her first half-marathon. 
Be that person for someone!!!!

3. Do you have goals associated with your running?
I would have loved to get a half-marathon under 2 hours, almost got there last year with 2:00:14.  That being said mostly I just want to continue to do it for the right reasons; making me feel good and helping me manage stress.  I am not a natural athlete and work hard to maintain that 6min/km pace, and sometimes with lots of training and dedication I do get faster but it takes a lot to get there.   I deal with chronic back/hip pain that gets agitated with running but have a good health management plan in place and I'd like to keep running as long as possible.  I would love to try a duathlon or triathlon a try, although I am not a strong swimmer.

A mini/sprint triathlon that I did this spring.  I don't feel ready for open water swims but the pool swim although a challenge was managable.

4. What do you like best/least about running?
The way it makes me feel strong, in charge and free.
Least, the pain that I struggle with on/off and the fear of not being sure how long my body will allow me to do this before I have to take steps back.

At the 2023 Victoria Marathon where I achieved PB at 2:00:11!!!!

5. Share a running story/adventure (can be funny, struggle..)
My most difficult struggle came following a half-marathon that I trained HARD for.  I joined a group, did the program diligently.  Really made the running my priority in life other than work and being a mom.  I chased that under 2 hours pace and the whole time I was crushing it, I really was.  I was feeling strong, injury free, and uber prepared.  The week of the run I came down with a cold/virus.  It wasn't horrible but the day of the race I just didn't feel good.  I went anyway.  I ran and quickly realized that I was struggling.  The further into the race I got the more I realized I wasn't going to meet my goal and I completely unraveled emotionally.  I was soooooo upset.  I crossed the finish line 2:09:07 and I was not only not well, but emotionally I was devastated.  I didn't sign up for a half marathon again for 18 months after, when a running friend at the time had a heart to heart with me and told me it was time to let go of that dissap9oinment and to not let the fear of not achieving my goal, hold me back from something I enjoyed doing.  I went out to do another half marathon with her by my side and got a personal best at that time (which I beat last fall).  I've learned that sometimes things really don't work out like you planned, your pride may be bruised and you can't always have a PB and that goals have to ebb and flow over time.  

Tell me something you do to keep yourself physically healthy?  How did you get into it?  What keeps you motivated to stay with it?  OR what aspirations do you have for your physical health?