Gratitude

I skipped all forms of working out last week. I had a crazy busy first half of the week and came down with some sort of cough/throat issue at the same time. It is funny how skipping something that you want to do, even when you know it is the right thing to do, can make you feel guilty. However, exhaustion over ruled my feelings of guilt and I napped more last week than I did when my oldest was a newborn.

When Monday rolled around, I felt much better and was no longer having insane coughing fits so I figured I was set to hop back into running. I did 5 s-l-o-w miles on Monday and was sore from my efforts. I stuck to my plan (I am running 3,5,7 miles this week, not in that order though) and did 3 miles at my usual pace (still slow for most though!) on Tuesday. I am super happy to feel back on track!

While it is great to be running after a short break I read something on one of my favorite running blogs that really resonated with me. Janae was reflecting back on this book, Kristin Armstrong’s book ‘Mile Markers’. I love the idea of running while focusing on gratitude. I always think of a friend's young family member with ALS. She was a runner before her symptoms made it impossible to walk much less run. I know most of us have a special someone in our thoughts and prayers to reflect on to remind us to be grateful for the ability and opportunity to run. If you have time, check out Janae's blog and read her thoughts on the topic too. It is a great idea to focus on!

Running with Purpose

Originally, I started running because I knew it would be good for me, right? I had a goal in mind- complete a 5k by the end of the summer. It was doable. I was capable. Having a goal kept me motivated in the beginning.

But, as the miles began to add up and my shoe of choice was more often my Brooks than my well worn Chacos, I started to realize that I had found not just a goal to keep me going, but a prupose.

You see, as much as I may not like to admit it, running has become vital to my mental health. I have four children. Four kids born in five years. My life is wonderfully, fantastically, beautifully crazy. I started off with my headphones in just to tune out the noise. I told my husband i ran because for at least half the distance, I was running AWAY from home. The good news? I always turned and came back!

Running has provided me that happy place. Solace. Peace. Solitude.

I am a better mother and wife because I have found this "thing" that can help me to keep on keepin' on! It's obvious that taking advantage of the runner's high has a number of mental health benefits. People who experience this euphoric feeling while running report being totally relaxed, happy, energetic, and satisfied with themselves. Running also releases serotonin, which is a natural mood lifter.

I have also noted that running is extremely difficult for me. Each run involves some pain, some challenge, some mental struggle- to quit or not to quit? Each run, no matter how far, how fast or how slow... I usually want to stop about 2 minutes into it. BUT running has become the easiest part of my day. 

I'm not complaining about this life I have, but carting four kiddos to and fro, cooking meals, making sure the livingroom has at least a clear path to the bathroom and we have at least some paper plates to use wen the dishes get too crazy... it adds up! So for me to know that I have mastered a challenging run that morning gives me the strength, energy and courage to face whatever the kiddos may toss my way.

You may have many goals for your training, and for life in general, but what is your purpose?

A great resource to explore further can be found here at Active.com

Yes, I train like an Olympian.

Of course I train just like the Olympians do, don't you?  Well, maybe I log in less miles, eat a worse diet, and have a few extra minutes on my miles, but our healthcare is similar.  I get regular Chiropractic care (which I'm sure I'll need to write an entire blog entry about) AND I use kinesio tape.

 

A couple months ago I decided to start running again after taking a 6 month break.  I found that my knee was killing me after even a mile or 2.  I happen to have the cutest, smartest, most gentle Chiropractor in the world :) and he suggested I try taping it.  He started taping it before my runs.  It took 3 or 4 runs for me to really start feeling the difference, but since the kinesio tape has been amazing. No more knee pain!  Today I did a 5 mile jog with no tape & no pain.  The tape helped my knee learn to stay in the right position. I'm going to start weaning myself off the tape, but not ready to quit cold turkey! I love it! 

 

My stride was pronated (see the picture on the left).  It's amazing how something happening down towards your feet can effect different parts of your body--in my case, my knees.  I have shoes from Brooks designed to help with pronation, but it just wasn't enough.  Nothing has worked like the kinesio tape.

Sometimes my tape will only stay on for one run, sometimes 3 or 4 runs.  I'm not sure why it lasts longer some times versus other times.  I've been trying to wear shorts to show off my tape :) and when I'm asked about it, I always say, "I'm training like an Olympian." We all deserve the best treatment to make our runs safe & healthy.