I feel fantastic. This is where I'm supposed to be.
Did 8 mile at tempo pace today. Easy as anything. I don't even feel like I've been anywhere.
Now my mid week runs are generally 7-10 miles and long ones between 15-20.
This really is my kind of running. I dont like training for halves or 10k's. Makes me feel like I'm not doing enough, or I'm not fast enough or that I'm struggling too much.
Marathon training is me. I can just see myself taking the step further now for ultras, time permitting. I don't like running a little bit and very fast. I like taking whole day - just taking my time, stopping to enjoy the scenery, say hello to horses, sheep, cows.... and continue running.
I could be on my feet all day long.
I want more. I want more miles and more time please.
Some people keep asking me, what is it about distance running, isn't it boring. No it's not. It's the best thing in the world and I cannot even begin to explain it to someone who's never done a 20 mile run. The struggle, the severity of exhaustion, and the primal feeling of being of human, running because we were meant to run.
How can you explain something so simple. Can I say anything other than... just try it and see.
How is everyone?
Comments
That is a brilliant post... good for you TurboElli..
8miles at tempo pace? Sounds an excellent run then, especially if you did it easily, as I thought tempo pace was only slightly sslower than 10k pace!
I find doing a few miles at tempo outside a race pretty tough!
That is exactly the sort of post I need to show to people when they ask me 'why do you run?'
Also, anyone who is suffering from motivational problems should take a read, and then realise why they run.
I had a similar run this morning - struggled to do 12.5 last weekend, but my 14 this weekend flew by, and I felt great at the end of it. Running on days like this is possibly the best thing in the world.
Fantastic stuff TurboElli.
Good post.
Enjoyed reading it.
When I was a child, I watched athletics on TV. Marathons seemed like a massive effort. I said to myself then, My God I Wish I Could Do That.
I've done it. And I'm doing it again. And again. And again.
When I was a child, lots of things amazed me. I was 8 and we moved to the countryside. I made 4 friends in a day. They were all cows on the field. I remember running home being so happy and told my mum about my friends and then I told her, they are actually cows and I gave them all names... she laughed at me and hugged me.
So many feelings in this life.
Security. Happiness. Death. Sadness. Safeness. Unsecurity. Love. Heart is about to explode from the beauty in this world. Too many tears. Gasping for air. Bare feet against the ground. My favourite horse recognising me. Taste of grass. Hate. Rush. Stress. Cold. Hot.
Do you know what? You are perfectly you. As perfect as you can be. You can be anything. Life wouldnt be life. If it wasnt for all of the feelings it can provide.
We now live in a society where time is less and less. Take every moment of it and make it your own.
Who's here to judge you but yourself?
You can do anything you want. Stop being insecure right this moment.
You can do it. Because you will! Because the only thing to stop you is you.
Simple. Legs. Gravity. Movement. Life.
Good for you
shit! My upper lip as got a twitch! I hate it on the eyelid but lip is worse, let alone the bottom of your buttcheek!
Not so deep now LOL
Ah, but I get such a kick out of running as fast as I can, even if it is just for a short distance. Can't explain that either.
You sound on top of the world TurboElli.
Bring it on!!!
The best race I ever did was a X country marathon. 6 of us did it together. We didn't race it. we just plodded along and enjoyed the scenery. stopped for food and drinks along the way and finished in around 5.5 hours. A great day out! This is my sort of running and I also find myself being tempted to do a 40, a 50, or longer......
I'm so envious!!! I'm just (slowly!) coming back from injury and I can't wait till I'm feeling the strength that you have now!!
Loved reading that Elli.
I did a (long for me) 10 miler yesterday and that, as well as your post is bringing my mojo back!
Long may you be happy and healthy in your running.
Kev
I'm so glad if this post has helped you! That is like the nicest thing ever!
I felt a bit down last week myself, about my running, but now reading on your replies I'm getting the feelgood again! Did a lovely run this morning, caught the brilliant sunrise, racing rabbits and couple of curious horses and cats! The world could go on forever like that. Tranquility!
Excellent thread Elli. You should keep a journal and one day try and get it published. You certainly have a way of describing your feelings.
You capture how alot of us have felt before when running, and those feelings that alot of us have probably forgotten over the years.
Please keep it up!!!!!!
This is a great thread. I run in London during the week, full of people...not that it's a bad thing, but I so look forward to getting home to Suffolk and running in the countryside. I almost never meet anyone else on my runs and it is just so nice just to get out there with no one around except the wildlife.
I always say hello to the horses....they do talk back you know . And there are two geese in a farm near me that I christened "Jedward" (I first came across them last year when the X factor was on, and they were squawking a lot!!). We get a lot of hares round our way too...I use them for speed work but they always beat me (I am the proverbial tortoise). Love it
I ran 18 miles this morning and im now sat at work feeling great which has made me wonder what else could give me this feeling other than running and do you know what?
I cant think of a single thing and that worries me a bit.
I get fantastic enjoyment out of my family (wife, 2 young kids) but for personal satisfaction, running is the one.
Maybe I'm easily pleased, but my toast landing Marmite side up, always guarantees a smile.
Sorry
I totally agree with your original point, Madlot.
In addition to the personal satisfaction, I find it gratifying to get out and "run off" any worries, irritations or concerns. When things get tough, it can be reassuring to know that even a 30 minute run will always help. When crises do occur and a run isn't possible, I even get some consolation that I'll get out in the next couple of days, and things will be seem a little better as a result.