My apologies…
to anyone that actually reads this blog. I haven’t written since May, due in part to the fact that I briefly wrote for a running blog through Time Out Chicago magazine, (you can read my two posts here and here) but also because my last marathon was rather disappointing and I’ve felt a little discouraged ever since. I ran the Chicago Marathon for the second time this past October. As publicly stated in my Time Out posts, I had very high hopes for this marathon after encouraging improvement in Cincinnati. I could blame the unexpected heat for my lackluster performance on the familiar streets of of my home city, but I’ll be honest- I ran my slowest race yet because I didn’t take my training seriously over the summer. Despite my disappointing time, every marathon is rewarding in its own way and it was on 10.10.10 that I really felt “experienced.” I’ve now had my ups and downs as a runner and understand that every run can’t be best. I still finished, and if I don’t over think it, that is rewarding in itself.
So what’s taking me this long to get back on here? Well I took some time off and have been trying new things. I recently took up a rock climbing class, and have been mixing up my runs with gym workouts. But it was after hitting the path for an easy five miler today that I found myself wanting to hit the blogosphere once again. In the midst of winter break, I haven’t been writing much of anything so this is my way of putting fingers to keys, feet to pavement, and being somewhat productive while school is on hold for the rest of the month.
This is the first time I’ve ever been running regularly without a goal race in my future. I’m not planning or counting or pushing and it’s surprisingly refreshing. I’m sure I will sign up for a spring marathon very soon- most likely it will be the Cincinnati Flying Pig again- but for now, I’m learning to love the act of running, as much as I already love the sport of it. The empty lake front path, the lung piercing air, and the rare solitude that is so difficult to find in a city like Chicago, are all what pull me outside when the temperature flirts with single digits. I love running and although I haven’t been pushing myself the way I might in training, I’ve really been appreciating the mental and emotional benefits of spending time with myself, my music, and my thoughts. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get all Dear Diary on you. But anyone who runs knows how psychologically cleansing it can be and I’ve been fully embracing that aspect of it.
So here’s to a slow and steady return to my blog and whatever race I decide to add to my calendar in the near future. Whether I’m competing, exercising, or just throwing on the sneakers to get out of my stuffy apartment, this year I’m going to try to remember to love running, because that’s why I do it.
Chicago Marathon, 10.10.10
