Running

Over the last few weeks my husband, Robbie, has been running on almost a daily basis. He has had a burst of motivation and hasn’t looked back. Last night he ran nearly 4 miles! Now, this may sound amateur to some of you, but it sounds inconceivable to me. I have never enjoyed running. I was the kid in PE that never ran a mile in less than ten minutes, and I would purposely walk the maximum amount before I got in trouble. As Robbie dives head first into the world of running, he provides me tidbits here and there on how to make my running experience more enjoyable so that I do it more often.

One idea Robbie uses to entice me to continue is that the more I run the more I will push through the burning lungs and nausea, and plateau at heavy breathing. I know it’s sounds appealing, but it doesn’t motivate me to actual begin running. His personal drive has been more motivating than the possibility that I will eventually get good at it. Another attempt at getting me started is that I will have time to contemplate my day and the thoughts I am mulling over. This sounds appealing. I feel like I don’t have enough hours in the day, so mutli-tasking and being able to think about my thoughts while working out is sure to be guilt-free. Plus, the monologues in movies during running scenes are so compelling. The only problem with this plan is that while I am running, I am solely concentrating on pushing through my discomfort. I have to identify a location in the distance and assure myself I will get a break at that point. Solving complex life issues is the last thing on my mind while I’m concentrating on my breathing.

Although I don’t enjoy running, I have been making an effort to try. My hope is that I will be able to enjoy it at least a little bit so that I can use it as a release. My first breakthrough came 2 nights ago. Robbie and I had a heavy conversation that left me feeling hopeless, frustrated, and discouraged. I decided to go for a run afterward and I found comfort in my steps. I ran further than I have, stopping less than I normally do. I’m not sure if the adrenaline was pushing me, or if I was actually reaching a plateau, but I will admit that it brought relief. Running just over a mile allowed me to release the tension I felt at the kitchen table, it helped me realize my frustration was just a battle I needed to overcome.