Erin

It's Official- I Don't Like Running


Whoa. That is a very big statement right there. Running enthusiasts, don't get upset with me and hightail it outta' here just yet- I still love you guys, but maybe not the running itself. Let me explain.

The D.C. half-marathon really did me in. The weather was one thing (ugh!) but injuring myself was a whole issue in itself. After that terrible day in March, the injury, the crutches and the rest- I just think I've figured something out. I don't like running. While I was hurt everyone kept asking me if I missed running, and at first I said yes, absolutely! But as time went on, I realized I wasn't missing it. I missed being active and fit, but not the running per say.

As I've healed and eased back into things- I've rediscovered the ways I DO love being fit. When training for a half-marathon my focus was all on running. Sure I still hit the weights here and there, but I was trying to get up to that mileage I needed to be at to survive. I lost sight of how exercise actually could be fun. I honestly dreaded a lot of the training. I saw it as a hassle, a waste of time and I never looked forward to a run like so many "real runners" do. I thought, "If I just keep doing it I'll eventually like it!" but you know what? That just might not be true for me.

I love going for long walks. I love lifting weights with Jared at our gym. I love dancing around and shaking it with cardio hip hop and Zumba. I enjoy frisbee golfing. I love bicycling and hope to have my own bike soon. It's fun to toss a football around the yard, get a game of badminton going or just shoot some hoops at the park. I figured it out! Exercise doesn't have to suck! It's about finding what you enjoy and DOING it.

I have talked about it before on here, but over the past few years my weight has fluctuated up and down multiple times. Yes, my eating habits have been part of the problem- but I think my confusion with exercising has been the problem too. I didn't always give 100% to workouts when it was focused just on running. But now? I'm getting out and about more. I'm moving more in general and having fun while I'm doing it!

Am I breaking up with running forever? Probably not. Am I done doing long-distance races? Yes. They just aren't for me! I've done two half-marathons and have no plans to do any more. A local 5k here and there? Maybe. Going out for a laid-back jog now and again? For sure! But running doesn't have to be my "thing" if I don't like it. Being healthy and fit and active is different for every person and I can honesty say that I feel I'm on the path to being the best version of myself again! I've made it my goal to do something active every single day. I'd encourage anyone struggling with their own health and fitness to find something that's fun for you and stick to it. There's something out there for everyone!
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