Running - post #2423478923478

It's (almost) spring.  I mean, we did just spring forward into that God-forsaken week called time change.  And although we had snow (I mean, ice) just a little more than a week ago. We have a little sun and some warmer temperatures.  That means, it's time to get rid of those winter pounds that have happily hidden under hoodies and sweaters ... and get back out on the street and do some running.

So, that's what I've been doing ... and I'm oh, so happy to tell you that I still have a love-hate relationship with the run!  I hate it.  It's hard.  But I love the feeling of having done it ... tired and sweaty as I am.

Runner's High??  What's that?
Awesome energy?  For about 30 minutes, then I'm ready for bed.
Super motivating play list?  Ummmm, nope.
Awesome prayer time?  Yep!  Please let me not die.  Make this go faster.  When I have enough oxygen to breathe, yes, I do have some awesome prayer times!

I have to say, that this week I've not dreaded getting my shoes on and getting out there ... but I have dreaded every split time that comes out of my "map my run" ... and every part of those 3 miles that I need to sprint ... and how many more minutes are left ... and those hills, for the love, those hills (you know, the ones you ONLY notice when you run?)

But I am determined to get my body back in shape (and be able to wear my summer clothes again!)  ... and I really do want to be better .... stronger, faster, able to finish a 5 K in under 30 minutes, every. time.

But, I am re-learning that same lessons about myself in that process.
1. I struggle with hard things.  It just about paralyzes me.  I put them off.  I avoid them.
2. I have to have a goal.  Right now, it's keeping my pace under a 12 minute mile (yep, I am sooooo slow!)
3. I like instant results ...  I want to be faster in 2 weeks or less, to lose 10 pounds in a week ... and don't even make me think about making this a lifestyle change, that is so overwhelming I can't even.  And when I don't see this ... it is soooo easy for me to quit!

And this is why running is a great metaphor for my life.  Because in real life ... I hate the hard stuff, I have to have an end in sight ... and I struggle to just keep on keeping on, doing the same thing every day.

'Tis the season ... and my 29348925th post on my love hate for running.  Maybe this is the time I actually like it!