I haven't run much lately. In fact, there was almost a 2 week gap between runs. We had the best weather since November, and I didn't run. There have been some major personal changes in the last week or so, and I guess I've just been in a funk. Typically, I'd run to de-stress over something like this, but I just didn't feel like running. Even last night, my first run in 12 days, I didn't really feel like running.
One excuse I could give would be the major change in my 2011 racing calendar. Here's the calendar:
Securian Winter Run, 1/29/2011
Yup, that's it. Because of some of these changes, race fees got axed from the budget. No Irish for a Day 10 mile, no Brian Kraft 5k, no Red, White and Boom Half. A change like this is enough to strip one of the motivation to run pretty quickly. Why punish oneself with 12x400s if there isn't a race you're training for? But I suppose that's just an excuse.
To be honest, I'm at a loss for what to do. I like each of my runs to have a purpose. Each one should fit with the others like pieces of a puzzle. So when people say that even though I'm not racing this year I should still run, it's just not that simple. Why run 5 miles when I can run 3? Why run fartlek when I could just lounge around at home? When I run, I just don't know what to do.
My apologies for this departure from the usually light-hearted tone of this blog. I've had a lot on my mind lately, and this post is mostly an outlet for those thoughts.
5 comments:
Hi Matt,
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult major personal changes.
Have you thought about joining a running group? There are several in the metro area. I have met some very nice people from Twin Cities Running Club. Running with a group is a great way to stay motivated and it's also a great source of support in general.
Maybe people can gift you races for your birthday or something. You're a June baby. That could work well.
@Shannon: I've never really thought about a running club before, but now I'm curious about them. Sadly, though, a running club would have to wait until the budget can support one.
@Cat: That's a nice idea, but I don't think I'd actually accept something like that. This is really only one year of my life, and things will turn around someday.
The Ron Daws 25K is still $4 (I think), the Langford Park 4th of July 4 Mile is still $0.50; if I need to race and have no money, I still find something. Best of luck!
SteveQ: Thanks for suggestions--I had no idea that such inexpensive races existed! It may be a bit too late for me to get ready for the 25k, but that 4 miler in July could definitely be a thing.
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