We all have been
there. The day we stop running.
How is this possible?
We plan our days around our run, and it does not matter whether it is rainy,
windy, torching hot or Sunday morning, we are going for a run. Our loved
ones may roll their eyes, but they know we are better for
it. We return, flushed and glowing.
Not in a million
years would I have thought that I would be fighting my inner Gollum on
something so precious in my life . . . . but lately I find myself mentally
going through argument after argument as to why I do not want to run. I am
tired. I am exhausted. I am tired and exhausted of running. And I wonder why. I
find myself struggling getting out of bed before dawn and lacing up my running
shoes to meet the most miraculous sunrise. I love running. I have run over 1700
miles this year alone. What is happening?
Ever since I started
working as corporate lawyer, my private life suffered some set-backs and
adjustments had to be made. Time for anything is rare. And making time even more
so. I start my day before sunrise and slide my life into time slots,
which are organized around projects, calls and meetings. My weekends are long
gone, and going out in the evening means staying up past midnight to catch up
on the daily news. My attitude the next morning is proudly sponsored by my alarm
clock. I am sleepy. It is dark outside. I am sleepy. I do not want to run
today. Fine. I am going for a run. It is dark outside. And lately I am running
into more wildlife than people.
Running the same
route every morning, alone and in darkness, can affect our running.
Especially when we are used to running diverse routes, and we run mainly to be
with runners. Maybe we ran ten miles or more, and now we find we only have time
for five. Restrictions in time, in distance and in scenery can be
drudgery. I need to make changes, or I am afraid my inner Gollum will take
over. I am hoping some of you can pass along some tips.
Remind me again why I love running.
