The other night, Nathan and I were talking about running. About how I was a runner, but was struggling with running. How I don’t like the dark not because I’m scared, but because dark makes me want to get cozy.
So I made a decision. My goal for the next month or so was to just get out there and run. The details of the run were not important – how far or how long – I just need to get out every evening I can. If I get out and only ran a mile, great. I didn’t set a goal of how many evenings a week, because sometimes things happen. But if possible, every evening, I will run some.
We spent an awesome weekend with FatBridesmaid. We got home, ate, I blogged, and I thought about settling in. I mean, I was tired. Nathan didn’t feel like running. But I did. So I ran. I didn’t set my iPod for any length at all. Just set to the Two Fat Chicks podcast and off I went. It was definitely dark when I set off at 8:11. I didn’t even take Jake (the iPod) out to check my distance. I ran around and around and finally home. And it looked like this:
It’s kinda strange, you know? My runs were hovering right around the 2 mile mark for a few weeks after a few longer runs. As soon as I gave myself permission to be happy with whatever my body was comfortable with, the more comfortable my body is becoming with the 3 mile run.
It really makes me wonder about the mind and body connection, you know? Do expectations make it harder for me to meet them? Do I psyche myself out?Do I perform better when my goal is just to “do” the activity rather than to acheive a specific goal or number?
I just find it interesting, and something to think about. Any of you had anything similar happen?
Hi,
I’ve been a lurker for so long, I thought it was time to get out and say hello ;)
I actually have the same kind of experience (maybe more related to food though).
I’ve had a painful relationship with food (and meals) since I was a child and finally decided to do something about it a few years ago. It was one thing wanting to do something about it, and a completely different thing to actually get some result.
After a year or so of beating myself up for not meeting my goals, I decided to just “go with the flow” : instead of forbidding myself to eat this or that, and forcing myself to do this or that, I decided to just stick to “eating/doing better for me”. No restrictions as long as food was concerned, and walks and stretching whenever I felt like it.
Binge eating (and bulimia) stopped then and there. I was so surprised.
So it seems that by not imposing anything, just allowing myself free reign, I actually gained much more balance (nutritionally and exercise-wise) than I’ve had in years.
This is just the very beginning of the way, but I feel hopeful.
And since I’m here, let me thank you for the huge amount of inspiration ! You have no idea :)
Good day !
Great job on the running! I had a moment like that with my birthday. Instead of worrying about how many calories the dessert was, I just told myself I could have some. But when the day came around, I actually didn’t even want any! So I agree with you that there’s definitely a mind/body connection.
That’s funny – I’m the exact opposite. When I run just to run, they’re short, uninspired runs. When I run with a goal in place ahead of time, I push myself to meet that goal and am far more successful.
I wish I were more like you in this regard – I bet it’s more fun and freeing to just get out there and do what feels right in the moment. Good for you for figuring out what works best for you and going for it!
I think you may be on to something there… When I go for a walk and I just walk, without preconceived ideas of time or distance, I tend to not only enjoy the walk more, but walk for longer.