Don’t Wanna Run…But
Sundays have become run days. I guess we are preparing to be chased by a bear (or coyote, since very few bears live in our part of the world. I would say there are zero bears, but I’m sure there is always a possibility of a bear, even if obscure.) Every Saturday evening, I feel like a toddler throwing a tantrum, just knowing the next day I have to wake up and run again.
Running has never been my favorite form of exercise. I wish I could report that after writing that post, I magically transformed my thinking around this activity, but that would be a lie…and I am not a liar. Still, I show up, and sign up for races. The Turkey Trot is happening again this year. My trainer is very enthusiastic and encouraging and frankly, continues to attempt to convince me to sign up for ultramarathons. I’ve never even done a marathon. Baby steps please and thank you.
Run affirmations: I am strong. I am a runner. I will get my butt up this hill.
A couple of weeks ago, I ran with friends who encouraged me to run nonstop for the whole route. I made it farther than I ever have before, and I owe that largely to their continued encouragement, and absolute squashing of any negativity from my brain. We even spoke affirmations during a particularly trying moment. I have never done this before. It actually helped. And for the record, I got my butt up that hill…but then there was another hill. Almost did me in. #hillsarenotmyfave
Mindset
I’m learning more and more about this whole mindset phenomenon. I have struggled SO MUCH my entire life with this. (all caps don’t really do this justice!) I feel like my brain could work with me, but instead works against me 90% of the time. I’m just now realizing how much I self-sabotage and even though I’m now aware of the struggle, the struggle remains.
For example: My biggest problem with running isn’t necessarily the cardiovascular endurance, even though I’m sure I could always improve in that area. It’s not the cramping calf muscles, either. My biggest struggle with running is that I believe I’m not a runner. 🤯 It’s that simple, and that complicated, all at the same time.
Getting There
It is almost my favorite time of the year! This year, I’m focusing on the holidays a little differently than I have in the past. I’m going to keep my health and fitness goals in the forefront instead of letting those take a backseat so I could celebrate. I will still celebrate, mind you. Bring on the joy and the Christmas movies and the cookies! Just as a part of my health goals and not a distraction from them. And one of my goals is to really believe I am a runner. Not just say it when I want to get my butt up a hill.
There is a reason for this…more on that in a later post.
