John read yesterday’s blog and pointed out that I don’t always dislike running. And he went on to say that, at the end of a run, sometimes I’ve even said I’ve enjoyed it! He is, of course, correct.
I had good cause to think about this today, because today I had one of those enjoyable runs. The sun was shining, the scenery was beautiful, and I paced it right. It wasn’t an easy run. I had to walk up the steep hills and spent a lot of time slipping on the muddy trails, but I felt good.
As I ran along my favourite section of the Offa’s Dyke footpath above Prestatyn, with the steep hillside dropping away below me and views towards the wind farm in one direction and Llandudno and the Great Orme in the other, I considered why…
I’ve been making an effort to listen to my body… Trying to keep my heart rate and breathing at a reasonable level, so I can talk, rather than continually gasping. And although I still have to force myself to go out, and still often dislike running, this tactic is generally working. As well as enjoying runs more often, and feeling more comfortable, surprisingly, my speed has increased a bit as my body is getting used to running regularly.
I’m also trying to be kinder to myself. It doesn’t matter how far or how fast I run. I’m running to keep fit and healthy so I can enjoy my life. And I enter races to motivate myself, not to win prizes. There is no point pushing myself as hard as I have done in the past. If I want to stop and enjoy the view, I will. And on day like today, how could I not?! John was right!
Ramblings 
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