A Word About Running

Since I ran the St. George marathon in October, I've been in a serious running funk. I don't know what my problem is. I think maybe I got burned out, I guess, and I took a little too much time after the marathon to "rest" and got out of the habit. My biggest problem, seriously, is getting up in the morning.

Why is that so stinkin' hard? Even when I go to bed early?

So, this morning I actually did get up and go running. Yes, yes, after the blizzard last night. It was, shall we say, less than pleasant. Especially considering that if I had gotten up just 15 minutes earlier I could've met up with my running group. They meet at 5:15. And in order to meet them I have to leave at 5:00 because they meet in a neighboring town and I have to drive there. I'm so lazy, I can't get up on time, so I got up at 5:30, and went by myself.

The difference between running with people and running alone is the same as utter bliss compared to complete torture.

I think the only reason I actually did get up was the thought that I have to run a half marathon in less than 2 weeks, and I'm simply out of shape. It's crunch time, people. And I'm not sure you can "cram" for a half marathon.

I honestly think I fell in love with running because of the social aspect of it. I mean there is something so exhilerating about going to a race, and realizing that you are surrounded by hundreds of other people who love something as much as you do.

Running by myself leaves me alone with my thoughts. That's a very dangerous thing. Not to mention that it's dark, and the roads are slick. Holy cow, this morning they were horrible!! The mayor of my town has decided it's not necessary to plow unless it's a weekday between 8am and 5pm. It's ridiculous, really. So, since our roads weren't plowed, my run this morning was slow, painful, and treacherous. I felt like I wasn't making any ground. My feet kept slipping backwards. I'm sure if someone were watching me, it was pretty entertaining watching me slip and slide all over the road.

So, I ventured out, intending to run 6 miles. And I'm sad to say, I cheated and only did 5. I could've gone one more mile, but I was sick of running in the snow bank whenever a car went by, and slipping all over the place, and I was bored.

That, right there, is the difference for me of running alone, and running with someone.

Running alone is boring.

So, if you are thinking of starting to run, but hesitate for whatever reason. If you want to go with someone, but are wary because you don't think you can keep up. My advice is to go with that person. Chances are they'll go your pace anyway, or they'll push you to do better than you think you can. And it's amazing how a good conversation can make the miles fly by like nothing.

Tomorrow, I'm getting up, and running with the group.