No Running 13.1 This Year

It's a double-post day for me.  I have time and had to catch up on two very important thoughts.  Now that my Memorial Day thought is done, on with a very big decision for me in regards to my health. 

____________________________________________

As I was training for the 10K my daughter and I did a few weeks ago I began to consider running a half marathon again this year.  I figured I'd do the same race I did last year.  It's a lovely course, nice time of year and I love doing the military runs.  They are so patriotic. 

Then I started looking over the training plan I knew I'd follow.

And ... then I had a pretty bad grief stricken day.

And ... then I began thinking how I'd have to start training now so the various summer plans we have wouldn't take away from the training.  

And I began dreading the thought of having to do the training. 

I enjoy running.  For some reason it is a form of exercise I've come to really like.  I have no real explanation for liking running.  I wasn't a runner as a girl and  I would've laughed in your face a few years ago if you would've told me I'd like running.  

However, when I looked at the training schedule and felt dread flood my soul at the first long run being 6 miles I knew I had to rethink things.  

Changing from a couch potato mama into a healthier, active mom hasn't been easy and I understand it's not always going to be.  But I have truly come to understand and believe that we have to live this journey doing and eating things we enjoy -- things we can sustain.  

Right now training for a 13.1 mile run is not something I felt like I would enjoy.  As much as my pride hates to admit it, I just don't think I can handle the stress of having to plan and train for this race.  

I keep thinking, "I want to enjoy the summer with my family.  I want to lose these ten pounds I've gained and get back into better shape.  I do not want to HAVE to run 4-5 miles minimum three times a week." Nor do I feel like getting up at 6:00 am all summer in order to beat the heat and humidity.  I just don't feel like doing that right now.

So, I called my trusty friend who I know will be honest with me and she confirmed she didn't think I needed to stress myself out by adding a half marathon to my life right now.  My husband was a little more confused because I trained for and ran the race last year while he was gone, and I could only sum it up like this:

Last year I wanted to run a half marathon, badly.  It was on my bucket list, if you will, and I was excited about the training and finishing 13.1 miles.  It also gave me something to focus on while my husband was deployed.

This year I do not feel like that at all.  He was also supportive and said he'd support whatever I decided to do.  I reassured him I would continue to take the HIIT classes three times a week and I would run or do cardio 1-2 days a week; I would not let this decision be an excuse not to exercise.

Then I decided I would not do the race.  And let me tell you... I feel like a free woman. 

Friday I went for a run and knowing a three-mile run (about 34-36 minutes for me right now) was enough for a good workout made the run so much more enjoyable.  

Yesterday I decided not to run at all, but did the Arc Trainer for 45 minutes at the gym and I felt so good.  I almost felt bad for not running;  but when I was done and felt I had worked out hard I knew I was okay. 

My healthiness journey started with walking.  As my body has been able I've increased the level of fitness I strive for.  Running has been something I've come to enjoy, but I'm learning that for me it may come and go in phases.  As long as I stay active I know it's okay.  

And actually...my daughter and I are planning on running a 10K in October, but for the summer I'm going to get stronger and simply enjoy being active and spending time with my family.  

Such a freeing feeling....