Running is Humbling…(And Exciting)

NYC Marathon

Live from New York…it’s my couch. And it’s wonderful.

I mentioned recently I’d started running again more. My trainer, Leanne, said something “as runners, we ___” (I don’t remember what, but it probably had to do with muscle tightness.) I felt a twinge of sadness as I realized I didn’t feel as though I could identify myself as a runner.

Last week, my therapist told me, “Theodora, you really need to get back to running more. You’re truly your best self when you run.”

WOW. That woman I pay money to tell me insightful things…is so freaking right.

So I’ve run a few times in the past week, and even though it generally has sucked during (I feel tight and lumbering and slow), but after…all those sweet, sweet endorphins come rushing back and I remember why I do this.

Until a day or two later when my hip flexors and calves are SCREAMING for mercy, and I know the foam roller will help but will also hurt like all hell.

So I’m trying to safely increase mileage for the Brooklyn Half while being cognizant of my body and that line between soreness and actual pain.

But, damnit if these two ladies weren’t right. I’m so happy to have running back in my life and starting to talk to others about run coaching. I’m emailing with a few of you lovelies, coaching one of my friends (and her dad!) to their first halves and helping a coworker figure a way to safely get through her first marathon after injury…and I love it. Watching/helping others is as inspiring to me as running myself.

NYC Marathon

And then this happened.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little apprehensive at first. “Can I really do this again??”

And then I got excited for the best day of the year and realized I have eight months.

Did you get into NYC?? Tell me about your epic running comeback, also.

11 comments on “Running is Humbling…(And Exciting)

  1. Diana

    I had to drop out of the marathon last year with a stress fracture 6 weeks before. Deferred to this year and JUST got back into running after 5 months completely off… it’s rough! I stopped worrying about time and pace and am just trying to get out there without looking at my watch. Signed up for Brooklyn Half to jumpstart the training, which begins next week! FOAM ROLLING daily has helped me a ton. Looking forward to reading more about your journey!

    Reply
  2. sara

    Really looking forward to hearing about your progress and training! I admire anyone who can achieve a marathon – I’ve only done halfs! Best wishes to you!

    Reply
  3. katie

    Today starts the day of my half training, and I’m really going to follow the plan, just like I did back in 2012 for my first half marathon! I’ve noticed that even my lunch break walks really help my mood. hooray for people advocating for your best self! Even if sometimes that is you, and sometimes its people you pay to help!

    Reply
  4. Eve

    Nope! NYCM lottery loves to reject me. Sigh. Hopefully one year! Congrats on running it again this year!

    Reply
  5. Nancy

    I’m in as well after running it in 2015 (just like you). Was planning on having a leisurely summer until I checked my credit card. Have been feeling hesitant as well, but I really want to crush those bridges this year! Here’s to 2017!

    Reply

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