I think I am adjusting to life post-race. Yesterday afternoon I started feeling a little bit lighter. I went out for dinner with a friend last night, and that was nice. Unfortunately though, I am eating like the last days of Rome.
The only work out I have had since Sunday has been a 2 mile walk on Wednesday morning. I am sure that is greatly affecting my mood. I brought my gym bag to work today and I will go swimming on my way home. This weekend I should have one or two runs, one or two bike rides, and one or two swims. I think I will be back on my feet in no time.
My new friend Lana (remember the kind person from the running club who came back and ran slowly with me after everyone else left?) was talking about how running actually is therapy... it is similar to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That the movement of running actually changes our brains.... OK, I know I sound a little wacky, but I believe it.
I started running (again) in 2003 after breaking up with the man I thought I was going to marry. I was devastated. I felt that if I didn't do something drastic, I would be very miserable. So I started running. I could only run for 5 minutes - downhill! But after a week or two, I tried 10 minutes. Then after a while of that, I knew I could run a mile, so I tried that! Within 4 months, I was running 1.5 miles and very happy about it. A year after the breakup, I had completed my first sprint distance triathlon. I really feel that running changed my life.
Last summer I completed my third triathlon, and my twin daughters did it with me! That was so so so cool. They both intend to the the Tri for the Cure with me in August. My son may be home by then too! I have a lot to look forward to!
Thanks for reading this post - it is probably a little bit "out there", but then, so am I!
7 comments:
Mary,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get over here and check out your blog. Thanks for coming by mine and giving me encouraging comments. I'll catch up on the last few posts here...
First, congratulations on training for your half and completing it successfully - that is awesome! And - there doesn't have to be a post-race slump. I haven't had one yet - possibly because I have so many races on my schedule! And, I'm sure that running changes the brain. In fact, everything you do every moment changes the architecture of your brain - you are either building new pathways or re-inforcing old ones. Keep moving and keep challenging yourself - it's good for your brain and your body!
Ohhh I totally believe what you said about running being therapy. I have learned that over the last year. I totally need it now or I feel like I will explode. I am so glad you are feeling better! I do remember that feeling of wanting to eat everything after the half! It will taper off!
I'm soooo busy this weekend and have been stressed out all day and my son suggested that I should go for a run. I replied, "But I don't have time, there is so much to do!"
"But Mom, you always feel so much better after you run. I think you should go."
He's right. You're right. Your friend is right. Running *is* therapy.
Running is most definitely therapy!! It totally helps in burning off all the extra anger energy I have, while giving my brain a good dose of endorphins :)
I certainly agree that running is therapeutic, and I also think having something on the horizon, another event to train for, could keep dark clouds from forming. My next planned races aren't until October and November. I think I'm going to look around for something sooner.
You and your daughters are gorgeous!
Glad to read you are feeling better. I find training for short races doesn't take too much time and they are a good distraction...plus you can see the benefits of your training faster at shorter distances, in my opinion.
I hope your son comes home soon and can join you for the tri in August, that would be great.
Yes I find that running is theraputic too...especially on those days when I have to kick myself out of the house and the first mile my left brain is trying to convince my body that it hurts and it would feel better sitting or lying down....I have to use the positive energy that my right brain has to keep going and get thru that. Jeff Galloway talks about left brain/right brain issues and struggles in his books. I believe it to be true.
I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better. What do you have on your schedule for the near future? I'm trying to do at least one 5k/10k a month thru the summer to keep me focused and to help me see how my training is going.
I'm even going to Vail, CO next weekend with my brother to do a 5k trail run that is sponsored by TEVA, it should be a blast, doesn't start until 7:30 pm, but the temps up there are a bit colder than here in OKC. The elevation change should be a challenge too....
Sorry for gettting so wordy....hang in there Mary you are a champion....hugs
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