Relax!
That is what I kept telling myself yesterday as I ran. Relax and run easy.
I hadn’t run since before the snow last week. After getting home and realizing I injured my back by my antics at work (sleeping on the floor, walking in the ice, falling on the ice, etc), I had to hold off running. That is not a good thing for me.
I think because I run 5 – 6 days a week, if I go a few days without running my emotions take a dive. I don’t know if it is the lack of endorphins or just lack of sleeping well, but I become a monster emotionally. Just angry with the world and everything in the world.
Sunday was another one of “those” days. I just had to leave. I went for a 2 hour walk and ended up in a park and sat for an hour. Actually that seemed to help get me back a little. It was a rough day and I could feel it from the moment I woke up. One week without running makes one weak, if you ask me.
Monday I just didn’t feel like running. My hip was bothering me. I decided to take “the dog” out for a walk. That was nice, but it bothered me that I didn’t want to run. It isn’t like I love my runs, but I love the aftereffect. The peace. The satisfaction of finishing a run.
Finally, yesterday I ran. I got in 4.25 miles under a 9:00 pace. I feel better. I like that feeling after I run of my lungs breathing in full and easy. I like the peace I feel and the fact that after two years, a run still finishes my day.
So I guess I am back again to my running days. This crazy weather has been playing havoc with my hip, but I just relax and run easy and that helps (going back to how I started this post).
Relax. Enjoy. Run. Be happy.
Sometimes I make life too complicated.
Tom
278 to Boston 
This happens to me a lot! When I take more than a few days off of running, I get really crabby. I think my family/friends are a lot more willing to put up with my running just because they don’t want to be around me if I haven’t run for awhile 🙂
Ha. It is amazing how your body gets used to running! It makes a huge difference!
I think all runners can relate to this! We all get a bit cranky if we can’t run. I have found stretching and breathing exercises to help on the days when I really can’t run and am reallly irritable about it.
That is a good idea. I find walking helps, but just doesn’t give me the same lift. I think my family gives a big sigh of relief when I say I’m going running!
Endorphin withdrawals! Happens to most of us avid runners, I think. I can honestly feel a huge difference within three days of not running, usually due to being injured or sick. You’re right, relax 🙂
So true. I’ve seen this happen a lot lately with my injuries. I guess knowing this might happen will at least keep me from being blindsided. Relax is true!!!