Ran again yesterday. 7 days in a row.
I was thinking as I ran how “ordinary” my running is. I don’t mean that in a negative way, but I think I am feeling some rebound from training for a marathon.
I wondered as I trained, how I would feel after it was all over. Would I have a difficult time adjusting to the fact I wasn’t training anymore, or would I be relieved. I was happy to find out that after the marathon was all over, I was satisfied. I didn’t feel upset or unfocused. I was just living in the fact that I had completed my goal.
Now, almost 4 week later, I think I did have some issues that came up over the past few weeks. Even as I ran yesterday, I felt a bit “off” thinking that it is all over. My running right now is ordinary running. Nothing special. Nothing to train for. Nothing but me and the road and my shoes.
I don’t mean that I am not planning some races. We have a 10K in a month and TJ just talked to me about running a few 5K’s. In February we have the Mercedes Half Marathon and in March the Shamrock Marathon.
Right now though, I am enjoying just running and not really training. I am enjoying pushing it a bit. I am enjoying the cooler weather (though the heat index yesterday was 90). I really am enjoying the no pressure running that I am doing. But deep inside there is a little sadness. There is a little loss. Training for a marathon was hard, especially in the summer. It was grueling and tiring. I am surprised though how much of my identity was tied up in that training. Even now it seems hard to not have that goal to reach out to. It seems hard to not be in a place of, “Can I actually do this?”
So, I am working on enjoying my ordinary running.
Sometimes life is ordinary. There is nothing to reach out for. It is work, home, run, eat and sleep.
If we don’t enjoy the moments, even in the ordinary times, we will never appreciate the marathon of life.
Hmmm. Now I feel better. I’m glad I had a chance to write through this thought process.
On to my ordinary life. I’m glad I am alive, can eat, can run and can sleep in a bed and have a wonderful family.
Ordinary is good.
278 to Boston 
I so get the sadness. I know that next week I will be right there with you. BUT….this period of ordinary is exactly what you need. Otherwise, you run the real risk of burn out. Enjoy the “non-pressure” runs. This is the reward for suffering thru the summer!
It amazes me how my mood has fluctuated after the marathon. I think my family is about ready to kick me out. 🙂
I do feel things are settling down now though. Getting my runs back consistently has helped.
3 days till your marathon. I’m so excited for you!!!
I am think about running Shamrock Marathon in March too! I finished my third marathon last month – it was my second for the year. I trained most of 2013 and when I was over I felt like “what now?”
I sighed up for a 1/2at the end of October but still feel like I am ho hum about running.
I should take your advice and just enjoy some “ordinary” running. Good luck
Thank you. I just looked at your blog and noticed you ran Lehigh Valley Marathon. That was my first. Funny you might run Shamrock also.
For me, running ordinary runs are hard, but at 50 they help my body recover. 🙂
I was really bummed out after my first marathon was over – I think you did exactly the right thing by signing up for some shorter races. It’s good to have something to look forward to, but also good to be ordinary for awhile and enjoy some stress-less running 🙂
I’m glad it wasn’t just me. 🙂
There are so many emotions after so much effort is put into a one day event. Thanks for the encouragement.
I always have to remember to love running “without a purpose”. But it is nice being able to pick up and run with a friend any day because there is no set distance or pace or speed you really should be doing a certain day. It took me a long time to learn to love this after race time but I am finally there and I am glad to see you are getting there too!
I’m learning. Funny, before marathon training it wasn’t an issue, but I think I put so much physical and mental effort into my training, it messed with my head. There is always a new lesson to learn with running, isn’t there?! Thank you.
As always, Running Girl said exactly what I want to say!
Ha! I understand. I won’t bore you with a repeat answer. Just look at my reply to her. 🙂
It’s funny how we end up having to work as something that we assume should be automatic: like ordinary runs, good relationships, happiness…… wow- that sounds heavy! 😀
Ha. That is heavy. 🙂 Though easier than rained out roads!
😉
It’s true – every phase in our life can’t be extraordinary! If they were, then nothing would stand out. I can understand how you feel after coming down from a major achievement. It’s a normal part of the human spirit to always be chasing a dream 🙂
Chasing is the operative word. I sometimes feel like I’m chasing after something all the time. Probably why I like running. 🙂
Even though I have a half marathon in 5 weeks, I’ve been doing mostly ordinary running lately because of my injury. And I’m enjoying it! Especially as I got to “tour” England that way.
What an awesome way to tour England. Maybe I’ll be fortunate enough to be able to do that also on day!!! It sounds like you had a good trip overall. Great pictures too. Congrats again to your husband on that huge achievement.
Tom, welcome back to ‘ordinary’ running, what most people class as ‘extraordinary’! Keep on keeping on!
Thank you Bernie for the great comment!
Your right, ordinary is good, it helps us appreciate the great times even more! When you are ready you will set a goal for yourself. One that isn’t easy, but also one that isn’t unrealistic. Until then, enjoy just running!
Thanks! I’ll do that. It is fun not having to push for something right now.