The reality is that, while I haven't done much running since I retired, I still think of myself as a runner. To prove it, I took myself out for a run today along nearby trails painted with gorgeous fall colours. I only ran 4k - painfully slowly and with walk breaks - but I ran, and I have to say it felt pretty wonderful.
So, now what? My plan is to try yet again to get back into running regularly to help keep my body, heart and mind in shape as I navigate all the crazy shit happening in the world. I reckon if I can still run 4k comfortably, I'm neither too old nor out of shape to make it happen.
The important thing is to focus on rediscovering all the things about running that gave me joy and got me out the door regularly for more than 20 years - time to myself, beautiful scenery, confidence in my body's ability to move, and a sense of feeling comfortable in my own skin.
I also need to stop beating myself up. I didn't mean to stop running. It was just that life got in the way, and I fell out of the habit, then lost my confidence for awhile. I forgot that "being a runner" is as much about what's in your head and heart as it is about how fast or far you run.
I may not be able to run very far or very fast at the moment but, in my heart of hearts, I know I'm a runner. It's time to start acting like one again.
Here are a few snaps from my run today! Happy running!
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| A happy gal a the end of my run. |
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| My turnaround point today |
Lovely photos! The whole runner thing; every now and then I miss running, but not often and not for long. But you're right, it's all about the habit and the confidence. For everything.
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