A Month of Running

So I started running again. I picked up running late last year, and was good about going out three times a week for a few weeks. But then it drifted away, and I lost it once the weather turned.

With Liz ramping up her running routine, I’ve been trying to go out with her. I’m not keeping the same pace or the same distance, but I’ve used her schedule as a kind of anchor or excuse. Whenever she goes out, I go out.

In some ways, it’s helped me not think about frequency. I don’t ask myself whether I feel like running or not – if she goes, I go. And keeping to her schedule, I’ve been pretty good about going out around 3-4 times per week.

My regime is pretty light, still. I’m doing a beginner guided run through the Nike app, and primarily doing 2 minutes running, one minute off. The minute is meant to be a light jog, but I’m walking it.

In all my previous attempts, I’ve gone with the Couch to 5K approach. And it has always been a bit disheartening – it always felt like the goalpost moved a little beyond my reach, and I never got a sense of accomplishment.

Lately, I’ve been just pulling back and going slowly. Focusing more on duration and time, rather than speed. I’m on the verge of increasing my time, but some days it feels good – other days not so much.

An interesting note: almost all my prior running experiences have been done in an almost confrontational context. My relationship to the act has been, I would say, confrontational.

This time, it’s a bit easier and more laid back. I don’t really have a goal, I’m just moving to move. And my only aim is to try to move a little more, a little longer.

I think a 5K is more within my grasp than I think, but I’m trying not to think too much about it. For now, stepping out the door 3 or 4 times a week is a pretty great thing, and I’m fine to stay in my Freshman mode for a bit longer. But I expect to be ratcheting things up soon.

[photo via Marcel Ardivan]

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