I went running over 250 times this year, and I can count on one hand how many “good” runs I’ve had.
Good is subjective, of course.
Legs feeling light, breathing easy, perfect weather, well fueled, well rested, just cruising along.
There is so much that goes into having a “good run,” so don’t let it bum you out if you entire run isn’t fun.
Did you stretch? Like, for real? 10+ minutes warming up?
Are you hydrated? Are you drinking water throughout the day?
How you sleeping?
Are you running too much? Have you taken time off?
Here’s a thing I’ve realized lately - my first mile is still garbage. Mile two is still sorta “meh.” By mile three, I’m feeling okay. Sometimes it’s not until my four or five where I’m like ‘I FEEL GREAT.’
Not a great run, but a good mile or two. Those few miles were fun. But it took a shit load of effort to get there.
Laced up the shoes, felt like junk, I probably didn’t stretch… all for a fun mile.
So how do you get there?
Slow. Down.
Slow down.
Replace “I’m gonna keep running to that sign up ahead!!!” with “I’m gonna run as slow as I can to that sign up ahead.” Seriously, make is ridiculous. Laugh at yourself - I do!
Focus on time, not speed. Quit trying to run your fastest three miles and try to run / walk for an hour (slowly).
It’s okay to walk! It’s okay to stop and smell the roses. That’s your homework this week - WALK.
Remember that ** we’re living in unprecedented times right now!!! ***
Work is stressful. Video calls are stressful. Emails are stressful. Homeschooling is stressful. Sending your kids to school is stressful. Hundreds of thousands of American’s dying is stressful.
So don’t make running stressful.
You’re doing your best.
If walking makes your run easier, then TAKE IT. You’re better off run / walking a few times a week if it can give you a break from everything going on in life right now.
Remember - your home work this week is to get more walking into your running.
Stay rad,
Seth