Who else is dealing with bipolar weather that is messing with your head? Last week we had some really hot days that were followed up with cooler and drier weather. Then this week has been hot, rainy, and ridiculously humid. Those hot days earlier in the week were making me feel pretty down about my running. I was slow, sluggish, and not very motivated.
Then the cooler and drier weather came along and I found myself running fast and happy in the middle of a long run. It felt great. I felt like my old self again. And when I saw my splits in the middle of my run, I was shocked. Earlier in the week I had felt slow and discouraged. Then I started seeing some pretty speedy paces with that cooler weather.
It was a great reminder that we need to be aware of our weather conditions and cut ourselves a little slack at times.
However, I also began reflecting on my running over the years. I realized that at 36 years old, I am running stronger and better than I was in my 20’s. As a mother of a 13 month old, I am continuing to run hard and improve. Not many other sports would let your body do this.
I was a competitive figure skater for many years. If I tried to do anything near what I used to be capable of, I would risk serious injury (and be out of my mind). My body just isn’t cut out for that anymore. Yet, with running, I can do more now than I did a decade ago.
I thought to myself, “Huh, I’m kind of like a fine wine.” But after assessing my sweaty self, I opted for “Stinky Cheese” instead. “I’m like a stinky cheese.” You know what? I’ll take it.
Perhaps with a beer on the side….
Earlier this year as I was in the midst of training for my first marathon after having a baby, I had a moment where I really second guessed myself. Being a new mom, I hadn’t put in the prep time leading up to training. I didn’t get as many double digit long runs in. I had a baby 5 months earlier. All of this made me wonder if I silly for attempting to qualify for Boston so soon, or even attempt a marathon at all. I posted about how I came to understand that I am not the runner I once was. But I wasn’t the runner I am now.
I ran that marathon. I PR’ed and I got that Boston Qualification. I pushed myself hard that day because I felt like I was running like the wind. My legs burned but my heart soared through the Poconos. It was the most amazing experience and comeback. Lesson learned, we need to be patient with our bodies and also know when to push them.
Nothing like coming in to the finish and having your little girl there to give you that final push!
Sure, there will come a time when we will reach our peak. But in the sport of running, it happens at a much later point in our lives. The only way to find that peak, is to keep pushing to the top. We are capable of so much more than what we realize. Stop letting your mind question your ability and let those legs show you just how strong you are.
And remember, you can always be that stinky cheese 😉
Ha! I know how you feel. The paces for my long runs depressed me and I was down on my expectations for Steamtown. We headed north for a race (and cooler temps) and all of a sudden, I could run again. Happiness found!
Isn’t that the best feeling? Even after years or running, that hot and humid weather can mess with me.
(She giggles as she unwraps the package of French Roquefort and opens the bottle of Napa Cabernet…..)
Exactly!
This was crazy inspirational. I’m 25 and having only started running seriously a year or so ago, I sometimes feel like I’m late to the party. But I try to take solace in the fact that (if I go about it right) I’ll be able to run for years to come and actually improve as I get older. So when my older friends are setting PRs I try to concentrate on training hard, biding my time and one day catching up!
This is just the beginning for you! There is so much time and so much to learn. This is so much room for improvement and your mindset is perfect. Just keep plugging away and you will continue to see the progress!
This bout of running started when I was 34 (I ran for about a year when I was 27 and then stopped). It’s never too late.
Thanks, that’s so encouraging!
That is exactly what I’m talking about. I love it!
Yup, started running seriously at 29 🙂
Thank you! 😀
Such a lovely, healthy dose of optimism and encouragement to start my day. I also feel so thankful that at 35 I’m a much more confident, stronger, happier runner (and human being) than I was in my 20s. Cheers to continuing to age healthfully! 🙂
Spot on. I know exactly what you mean. Running actually is the reason I am so happy and confident. I feel it has helped me grow and become stronger inside and outside. It’s a great thing!
Love this Sarah!! I’m always working on my mental strength and I know that that is what holds me back a lot of the times. I’m working on just going for it!! You are such an inspiration
Oh thank you! It’s so true though. There’s so much room for potential. Our minds often hold us back.
Sarah – you always know the right thing to say! I started when I was 31 and am hoping the best is yet to c0me.
Thank you for your sweet words. You’ve improved so much and have become a very wise runner. The best is surely yet to come!
Thank you for your inspiring post! You’re incredible to have achieved a PR and BQ at that time. Are you registering for Boston next week?! Happy Friday!!
Thank you so much. Yes, I am registering on Wednesday. It’s on my calendar!
Congrats!! I can’t register for another week but have a good feeling that I’ll get in 🙂 Good luck and I’m looking forward to trading winter training tips in the future!!
Fun! I will be looking forward to that. Fingers crossed!
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