distance: 5.06 miles
soundtrack: RIOT! -Paramore
How do people NOT run? I mean, how do they keep their sanity, release their anger/sadness/frustration/WHATEVER if they don't run? I know it's a rhetorical question. I'm just thankful that I have running.
We had a great afternoon. Rich and I took the boys to the beach for a good 4 hours. It was a gorgeous day. But, we all got too much sun and not enough food, as would become apparent later, when getting ready for a family bike ride. Rowen hasn't been in his bike seat in over a year, and it freaked him out. It probably didn't help that I took him on a roller coaster yesterday that scared the bejeebers out of him (no, not the big one!) , so being strapped in an unfamiliar seat scared him. He started screaming, the baby started screaming, Rich got frustrated, Rowen screamed more, I got frustrated with Rich for getting frustrated with Rowen, baby was still crying...long story short there was about ten seconds where all four of us were yelling at various decibels. Needless to say we never made it out of the driveway and just headed back inside.
The whole debacle left me with some pent up "mommy needs mommy time-NOW" feelings. Since I had my sneakers and garmin on already for the bike ride that never happened, I turned to Rich and said "I need to go for a run". He just nodded. He knows. And while I usually never run with music, this was one of those exception days.
I ran and ran and just zoned out to the music, my breathing, and my feet hitting the pavement. I stopped and walked for about 2 minutes somewhere around mile 3...the salami Subway sandwich I had earlier decided to rear it's ugly head in the form of a rumbly tummy for a minute...but it subsided and I ran and ran some more. 5.06 miles in 47:17 - 9:21 avg. That includes the walking, so looking at my splits, I averaged more of a 8:50-9:10/mile pace. I've found my current "happy pace" for longer runs...you know, the pace where you can just run and run all day long.
Every step I took I released a little bit of what was plaguing me. The long morning, teething baby, screaming toddler, bills, work. I ran a while for Helen. Even though I only met her once, my heart fell when I heard of her passing. I really struggle with how unfair life can be sometimes. But her strength gave me strength on today's run. Realizing how blessed I am to have beautiful mornings at the beach, screaming toddlers, teething babies, a roof over my head and a job to go to, it gave me strength. By the end of the run, I was sweaty, disgusting, and a brand new woman. It's true what they say:
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14 comments:
Running has the same effect on me, particularly the intense bouts of exercise (this is why I love speedwork). Ana-Maria
Wow. Someday, I hope to be able to run as fast as you just for fun. If I tried to run that pace I would die. I've only ever run for therapy once, and it was great. However, at the current moment, it's more of a chore. I'm hoping that changes one of these days.
I very rarely go for a run without feeling better afterwards. Glad you were able to get out there and "run it out".
I run for the exact same tension-releasing reasons! Maybe that's why I've been grumpy the past two days -- it's been two weeks since I stopped running and I don't think I've had a hiatus this long in years.
Heather,
I am always so saddened when someone so young leaves us too soon. Every time I am left again wondering why.
I will dedicate my next run and ride to Helen.
We will have to be relentless in all that we can do to keep raising money, keep the lights all in research labs.
There are days when we just have to cry, we just have to run. Somedays at the same time.
Ross
Thanks for sharing that post about Helen. It's very, very sad. I am sure her friends and family appreciate you thinking about her and sharing her story.
I am soooooo with you on the running and therapy. I think I need some "therapy" today myself.
you're right...I guess running IS cheaper than therapy! Unless you go buy new running gear every wk at Target! :) LOL
I get bored running..that's why I don't do it. That, and it kills my knees. But, I do need some therapy, quick! I'm turning into a blog.
Nice run Sister! The driveway meltdown sounded crazy - screaming toddlers and babies will make any adult raise there voice - especially when the breakdown is completely out of the blue - glad that even after the driveway meltdown, you were able to find an outlet for the day in terms of a good solid run! Kudos to Richie T. for recognizing the need to let Mommy get out and run - you have a good man there. I'm sure Helen appreciated the effort! Way to honor "Living STRONG!" Love you!
loooove paramore :) have a number of their songs on my running playlist. i also love happy pace runs :) great job!
If I didn't run, my kids would have already turned me into a 500 pound alcoholic... Thank goodness for running therapy!
MCM Mama
LOVED this post!
It is so true. I love how I can leave the house totally frustrated and come back a new woman. My husband knows this too, and knows when I need to go. :)
running IS cheaper than therapy!
I wish I still had it in me to run. I remember back in high school, the feeling you get after a long day of practice. I miss it. Instead, I get my frustrations out with a looooong walk. To me it is the perfect after dinner activity and sometimes the only time I get to myself.
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