I can hardly remember my life before running. I feel like being a “Runner” is a big part of my identity now. In reality, I just started running about 8 years ago. I never ran in H.S. or College and was a total gym rat for most of my adulthood. About 8 years ago I saw an article in Shape Magazine titled, “you can do a triathlon in 12 weeks”. Really? Ok sure why not. I didn’t have a bike, hadn’t done laps in years and had never run but ok if you say so Shape Magazine. I excitedly ran into the gym the next morning, magazine in hand, and proudly told my trainer this was my goal. Let the training begin.
We met at the track that week, I can vividly remember how unbelievably hard it was to run. I barely made it once around the track and I was out of breath with side cramps. How did I not know running was hard? That was early May and the temps were warming up. I was determined to get to that tri race. I slowly made my way up to 1 mile without stopping then one day I was running 3 miles. I remember how amazing that felt and how proud of myself I was. I just had run the distance of the tri race. I followed that 12 week plan and, thank you Shape Magazine, I did the Iron Girl Triathlon that August. I remember feeling that if I could that I could anything. I was unstoppable.
I quickly discovered I really liked running. You know how it goes, I thought, “if I can run 3 miles then I can run 5 miles”. And if I can run 5 miles….
Over the last 8 years, I gradually increased my paces and distances and participated in numerous 10k’s, 10 milers and half marathon races. Each year, I tried to challenge myself to do more. I was never a particularly fast runner, but I could run and I loved it. The past few years, I’ve kept my running fitness up and was pretty comfortable doing long runs on the weekend and a few shorter runs during the week. I kept myself where I could train for a half a few weeks out. I, like all of you, had good days and bad but I was comfortable with my runs. Until…
At the end of January, I was dumb and won’t bore you with the details, but I ignored nagging shin splints and ended up with a stress fracture. I was told no running for 8 weeks! What are you kidding me? I “run” a running group!
I followed Dr.’s orders and 8 weeks later began slowly running again. I was told to start running 1/2 a mile and add on each week.
Wow! When did running get so hard?! I was in the best shape of my life when I got hurt. I didn’t just sit around for 8 weeks. I was doing spin classes, kickboxing, yoga anything to keep my fitness up. Which brings me back to-when did running get so hard??
I am beyond thrilled to be running again but I’m finding it so hard. I was under the impression that I would be able to just jump right back in and pick up where I left off. Yea-not really happening.
We have lots of newer runners in our group and I’ve always tried to make them feel welcome. I would run back to them and hang for a little while, encouraging them and keeping them company. I was a great cheerleader. I would tell them to stick with it and they would see progress quickly. Running is hard I would tell them. I had forgotten how it feels to be that person in the back of the pack. That person wondering what they were doing here and why this was so hard.
Last weekend on our group run I was aiming for 5 miles, my longest post injury run. I started pretty well hanging with 2 friends around the same pace. Once we hit mile 3, I was dying. I was having trouble regulating my breathing and this was getting hard. I had to stop and walk a few times and take some water breaks. I quickly dropped back from friends and encouraged them to go on. As I was approaching the 4.5 mile range, I saw my friend and co-chapter leader, Alexandra, running back for me. She came back to encourage me and help me get through the run and remind me that running is hard. Boy was I glad to see her! That was probably one of the most humbling running experiences I’ve ever had. I really truly forgot how that felt. I forgot how it felt to struggle for my breath. I forgot how it felt to wonder if I would make it to the end of my run. I forgot how it felt to be the one in the back of the pack. I forgot how it felt to have such little confidence in my running ability.
I’m determined to get back to where I was and I know that I will. I’m going to have to work for it and it will be all the more better when I finally get there.
What do you do when running feels hard?
Have you made a running comeback?
You will get there, I know how frustrating it must be. I’m in the same boat as a matter of fact, althought I haven’t been out there enough to know where I really stand yet. Thank goodness for MRTT friends!
yes don’t know what I would do without all of you MRTT friends. I know I will get there but wow this is harder than I thought!
You’ll get back to where you were, I know it. Coming back from illness or injury is always difficult, especially your mind wants to get there faster than your body is capable of. Coming back from my TIA back in March was difficult, and some days I still face some of the nagging symptoms, but I’m confident that somebody I’ll get there.
Thanks Kathryn it’s always comforting to hear about other people who have been there. You’re right about my mind being ready and body not cooperating. Thanks for the encouragement!
I also started running as an adult after a life time being active in other ways and I totally know how it feels to find running surprisingly hard. Great job following the doctor’s orders not to run and taking care of yourself and you’ll definitely get back to where you were or even better! #wowlinkup
Thanks Amanda! It’s always surprising when you think you are in a certain place and then discover you’re not. It is hard to follow the Dr.’s orders but I want to run for the rest of my life so I am trying! Thanks for stopping by.
Running is hard! For me, coming back from an injury is such a dangerous time, because I want to jump right in but need to force myself to ease back into it. You will get there!
It is a hard time! I know I will get back there eventually I just want it now-you know how that is.
How did you do on the biking and swimming part of the triathlon? Which is your least favorite out of biking and swimming? I used to run races all of the time but because of my plantar fasciitis, my sport is now biking in the summer. Visiting from the #wowlinkup
The swimming was my least favorite. I like swimming laps in a pool alone but when I got into those tri races there were some pretty aggressive guys swimming on top of me. Not so much fun! I also like to do Century bike rides in the summer. They are typically not timed and have lots of distance options. Check them out! Thanks for stopping by
this is me right now. After my foot surgery running is so hard. It is very humbling indeed. But part of the love I have for running is seeing how I progress through the weeks. That eCard reminded me of me after I had my surgery…lol. Gosh, we runners make quite a bunch, don’t we?
Yes Maria we are a crazy bunch aren’t we? I hope you are making progress too. Thanks for the reminder that it could be worse-I didn’t have to have surgery. Thanks for stopping by!
I hated running in my teens, but it’s been my “me” time as an adult. Your fitness is so inspirational…It will get better for you soon, I’m sure! 🙂
oh thanks that’s really sweet. I know it will get better I just want it to be now! Don’t we all? Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Hope to see you again soon!
I’m hoping to make a running comeback soon! I’ve been out of commission for almost 3 weeks now. Still not sure when I’ll be able to get back on the road, but fingers crosses it’s soon! I’m sure I’ll be slower and running shorter distances, so I’ll have to remember this post when I can’t run as fast or as far as I could before.
I hope you get the go ahead to run again soon too Nicole. And yes, I imagine you may have some of the same issues. Let me know if you want to chat about it. I’m here. Speedy recovery!
Yep. I know the feeling too well recently. Patience is all I can say. I’m happy to be injury free again but definitely working to get my speed back after 3 months. You’ll get there!
Yes patience is not a runner’s friend! Glad you are doing better. I hope we both get back there soon. Thanks for the pep talk.
Great post!! Running comebacks always feel hard for a while .. but just wait, it will “click” and you will start feeling better!! Keep up the great work!
Thanks I know I will get back eventually I just want it now! We runners are not very patient are we?
I’ve come back from many injuries over the years (especially the early years) and it’s always hard! Your brain says you know how to run far and fast, but your body reminds you it’s not used to it anymore. But it does come back eventually. Stick with it and be patient. 🙂
Exactly Heather so true! Patience is the hard part for us runners. Thanks for stopping by.
I have a hard time making it to three miles on most day and that’s with walking breaks! But I stick with it for when the runs goes really well and get that high!
I nominated you for a Liebster! See my latest post.
I definitely love the endorphin rush myself! I will definitely stick with it. I’m just so impatient as most of us runners are right? That’s so kind of you on the Liebster-Someone beat you to it about 2 weeks ago. I’m so glad that you are enjoying reading my blog. I follow yours as well. Thanks again!
Wow – thanks for being so open about your struggle. Running is hard when you stop OR get injured and then return. I was doing our 1 mile warm up in boot camp yesterday and I didn’t want to do it! I was basically running with a limp. It wasn’t fun. But about .5 mile in my joints and legs started to warm up and then I was fine. It is such a pain to have to stop and restart but I am sure you will come back in no time.
Yep it is hard to come back and realize you are not in the same place. I know I will get there it just might not happen as quickly as I’d like. Have a great day!
Great post. Running is rewarding, fun, good for you, AND hard! I took a long break after my younger son was born and I remember trying to go for a run and just gasping for air after a mile. I did NOT like the way that felt and was determined to find the runner’s high again. It took time. Just remember for every bad run there are 3 good ones waiting in the future! So hang in there Mama! You’re doing great 🙂
Aw thanks Michele! I have a lot of good ones waiting for me I guess. I know it will come back-maybe just not as fast as I might like. Thanks for the encouragement.
I absolutely love your honesty and raw feelings. Great job sticking with it and pushing forward – that’s always the hardest part. You’re such an inspiration, Deborah!
Ah thanks Amber! I love connecting with all of you-you’re the best support and motivation!