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Time to Run

I've been having an argument with myself for the last few weeks... deciding whether to run or not?

Time is a bit short. I've had meetings and appointments and social events booked in. A new job to occupy my brain. The friend I was supposed to meet can't make it anymore and I don't really want to run on my own. The weather has been grim and evenings getting darker. I'm a bit tired and know I will feel like I am running really slowly. 

Is there really time for a run? Can I really fit it in? Is it really worth it?

The downside of having trained for and run ultramarathons is that my brain sometimes tells me that if you are not planning to run for 3 hours, is it really a run at all?

To run or not?

Well I don't have 3 hours and couldn't run for 3 hours anyway... so .... not?

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Last Sunday, I went along to a performance at Etruria called 'Grit' - a canal side performance about "women who stride, walk, jog and run" hosted by Urban Wilderness.


It was thought-provoking and inspiring, challenging and engaging - Sophia (the creator and performer) perfectly captured how it feels to be a woman who runs or contemplates running, covering issues of motivation, safety, self-esteem, anxiety and how to cross the bridge of self-consciousness; but ultimately sharing the sheer joy of running, the freedom of running in fresh air without a care in the world - "everyone deserves to feel like this".
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This morning, I had 30 minutes of free time before starting work. The only free time in the day.

To run or not?

Last week, I might have decided it wasn't worth it. A lot of effort for not much gain. By the time I'm out of the door, I'll be on my way back. That won't look like much on Strava.

To run or not?

But this morning, I gave it a go - 5 minute walk, 20 minutes running, then 5 mins cool down and stretch (whilst loading the dishwasher).

I ran.

Just a little loop along the canal and round and back again.

But I ran.

It was definitely worth it.

Thanks Sophia for sharing that story - ""everyone deserves to feel like this"

Happy running

Liz T

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Comments

  1. Jen Harper2 October 2021 at 16:52

    So glad you felt some motivation, Liz. It's so tough at times. A run is a run no matter how far. Hope to see you soon x

    ReplyDelete

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