Is It Possible To Actually Enjoy Running?

February 24, 2020

Now that the weather is starting to get out of freezing temperatures, I see more people out running. The twinge of lacing up my Brooks Ghost 9’s hits me.

Then I tense up thinking about how to get started again. Do I power up the trusty old Runkeeper app? What songs should I add to my playlist?

Running was my go to form of exercise but it wasn’t as easy as lacing up and heading out the door.

From the beginning, I was trying to figure out how to run faster, better, longer and harder. Technically, the first run was to get out and do something for myself when the kids were little.

I gained so much clarity on my runs and loved the solace they provided. As I continued, I had goals to fulfill. It’s started with a 5k and kept going up from there.

Instead of enjoying the run and being out in nature, I spent my time calculating numbers about my run, time and speed. I would set my Runkeeper app and music, never really getting zenned out on the run.

When I trained for the Chicago Marathon back in 2016, I focused my energy on finishing the race. There were so many numbers and calculations running through my head that running had become a chore.

And because of that I injured myself. The plantar fasciitis in my foot caused me to stop running that year. Occasionally, I’ll pick it back up but the thought of doing a couch to 5K seems daunting. It’s not the distance that scares me but the training.

As I watch runners in my neighborhood, I ponder the possibility of leaving my phone at home and heading out for a run. Outside, I can be alone with my thoughts, enjoying all that nature has to offer. Soaking in my surroundings, allows me to not think about the task at hand.

In all actuality, I want to run like Forrest Gump. He wasn’t running for anything or for anybody, he just ran. He would sleep when he got tired and eat when he was hungry. This is a type of running style I could get behind.

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