12.13.07
Just….Can’t…..Not Run!!!!
I have always said that, if medical science proved that running was bad for me, I would quit. I now know that this was probably a lie. I don’t think I can stop.
I am currently in a “break” week, the first since May. I am not supposed to run, to give my legs time to rest and get ready for the hard training ahead. So, what do I now do to break up the stress of the day, and to give myself some time away from the family and from the stresses of my job? I run…..
I remember Matt Kuchar, professional golfer, saying that after playing in a somewhat stressful pro tournament that he was looking forward to traveling with his father so he could rest, relax, and, well, play golf. It seemed ironic to me that he would consider golfing a break, given this is what he does professionally. I realized, however, that he was describing was different. Playing with his father, away from the stresses of the PGA, was nothing but relaxing for him.
This is how I view running when we have these brief off times. I love going out on the trails and jogging for 35 minutes on the average day. I don’t feel the need to go fast or long, and I don’t do it every day. I realize, of course, the need for rest, particularly as I get older, and so I take more rest days and more swim days. What I realize most of all, however, is that there is nothing as liberating to me as running. There is no book I can read, no food I can eat, no beer I can drink, and certainly no athletic activity I can participate in that gives me the feeling that pounding the trails does. The cliche is true for me: it is an addiction. I need it to feel centered, feel off-balance without it, and would give up sleep and food to have it.
The tragic death of Ryan Shay and some other lower profile runners early in their lives (my track coach, for instance, who died last year at the age of 47, while running) has made me worry at times about the safety of this sport. I sure hope noone comes out with a study that says it is unquestionably unhealthy to run. My mental health would take a big hit if this were the case.
In the meantime, I will take my easy week, run when I need to, and enjoy those weeknight beers and desserts. They may not be quite as satisfying as running hard, but I will make do……for a little while.
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Tori said,
December 13, 2007 at 10:41 pm
I totally and completely agree with you on this or more so empathize with this NEED to run. In fact, off season running and “vacation” running is my favorite kind. I have no worries, no personal expectations or outside expectations to meet and I can just relax and go - enjoy my music, the scenery, the company, whatever. It’s so great!
My favorite time to run is when I”m on vacation because I can actually run the way I want. I get enough sleep. I run and run and run - explore new terrain, take naps and recover wonderfully, eat well, am normally with loved ones, which improves my running…(granted this is not similar to what you are saying Rob - but the “off” running is when I run best - well lately it seems anyways). I’m really enjoying this week and needed it with the interesting recovery that I needed from the race. But, am especially looking forward to my 2.5 weeks in california running whatever (and of course what Joan has for us to start off the new season) whenever. I’m looking forward to having a good base start the season this time.
And how could you seriously stay off the roads/trails with this amazing perfection running weather!!
Diana said,
December 19, 2007 at 10:36 am
Although I love running, I fully enjoy my week(s) off at the end of a season. Sometimes I go on a run or two, sometimes I run a mile with my dog, but generally I just enjoy that if I don’t want to run, I don’t have to do it, and if I get the urge, it’s okay. On the other hand, especially in the winter when it’s cold and miserable outside, I have a tough time starting up again. Yesterday was my first “real” run and man, I spent the first 3 miles feeling like clickety-clack woman! Ugh!