A Passion for Running

Aaron and I did 35 minutes of running at roughly a 9min/mile pace yesterday after work. We talked a bit on the subject of perspective. Specifically, that being able to run for that long is now so gratifying compared to my last six months and his last year of little/no running. I mentioned it was “good to be back…whatever back means” to which he replied, “I think ‘back’ is being able to run even a few minutes at a time enjoyably without pain”. I think it’s safe to say a year ago, prior to our injuries, neither of us would have used that definition of ‘back’ but there’s perspective for ya.

So, cool – we’re back. Of course, Aaron’s still working on that knee of his but I’m hopeful it will all work itself out – eventually. He’s had a tough go of it and noone deserves to be able to run like he does.

This morning on the way to work I began pondering some realistic running goals. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

1-Run every weekday alternating between 7 – 8km runs and 3 – 5km runs. This is not a huge leap for me since I’ve been averaging 3 to 4 runs per week lately but I need to write it down because it will accomplish two things for me: First, it will provide a first stage for increasing my running mileage and second, it will allow me to better manage the stresses I’m experiencing at work. I’ve found even twenty minutes of running can make the world of difference with my stress levels so I gotta do it for my sanity!

2-Throw some 100 – 200 meter intervals into the shorter runs.

3-Run a 5km race barefoot in the late summer or early fall. I’m gonna do it barefoot so I can focus solely on running it with good form and not on actually racing the thing. It’ll be more fun than anything plus, I am really missing the whole racing ‘scene’.

4-Up the water intake and decrease the coffee intake. This is something I’ve always had to do each time I’ve gotten back in the saddle and this time is no different…water=good & coffee=bad.

That’s it for now. To be certain, these are not lofty goals by many standards but I’m reminded of that ‘perspective’ word again.

Onto a more outward looking thought: Wow, there sure are a lot of RBF members racing lately with some astounding results. You are all very inspiring! Keep up the good work/play.