“Just keep running…” Lately, that is my mantra when I am running. Ever since I took a couple of weeks to let my knee recover, I’ve been struggling to just run. I want to walk. My brain fights with my legs. Intellectually, I know in most cases, I can just keep running and get through the dips, and I’ll be fine. But I’ve been letting my brain get in the way. Not a whole lot, but I’ve been slowing to a walk at least once in my runs lately. Since I know I can run these distances, the walking thing just won’t do.
So today we got out early from work, and I decided to take a nice early afternoon run. Perfect weather, empty streets, I was determined that I was going to run this one. Through the run, when I felt like walking, I slowed my running pace a little and just kept running. I let the mantra play in my head…. “Just keep running. You know you can do this distance easily. Just keep running.” It worked.
I had a little help on my run today too. Some company, if you will. Running down my favorite side street, I felt something brush my leg about midway into the block and when I looked down there was white fluffy dog running alongside me. He kept pace with me, kept looking at me and just made me smile. When I turned the corner, he went home, which was good because I wouldn’t have wanted him to get lost. But it was really fun. I was grateful he was a friendly dog.
Tomorrow is an actual walk day. Hills. I like walking hills so much more than I thought I would. They are tough, but they are worth it.
And can I just tell you? What a difference a week makes! Last week when I went for my Saturday run, it was 28 degrees, windy and biting cold, even though the sun was shining. Today, it was 67 degrees and I was able to run in a T-shirt, and it was almost hot. Almost. I’ll take today’s weather over 28 degrees any day!
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Ahhh diane, I am a runner who takes plenty walk breaks but I understand what you are saying here. what a great plan to just slow down your pace a little and push on through good job!
I have been struggling with my swim lately. Just can’t seem to find much oomph there. When the outdoor pool opens I’ll be fine. But until then it’s like running on the dreadmill. I just hate it. I love to run/walk outside. I love to swim outside. Anything else I just have to convince myself to keep moving
Good work!
The weather is AMAZING!!! I am loving it!
Still working on the whole ‘walking thing’ I see.
Yay for glorious weather, friendly dogs, and mantras. I hear the “Just keep swimming” mantra from Nemo in my head when I read your “Just keep running” line… makes me smile. I love Nemo (and Dori)! And of course, the turtle… DUDE!! Hope today’s walk day went well.
Happy Easter, friend! HUGS from Orlando….
robin
So recognizable, the last two weeks I also wanted to walk instead of running. 1 run I actually walked a few minutes but the others I kept on running. Yesterday during my run was the first time I didn’t want to walk so I guess it’s getting better.