I fell in love with running a long time ago. Sure, it took a while to really love it, but now lacing up my shoes and heading out for a few miles is one of my favorite ways to spend my free time. I love filling my calendar with races, laying out my clothes the night before the big day, and crossing the finish line with a smile on my face.
I run for me — for my health and well being, because I can, and possibly most importantly, because it’s fun.
This is fun!
In February, I signed up for the Chicago Marathon. When I registered, I was looking forward to a summer of running, with high hopes to finally break the six hour mark in the marathon. I was dreaming of reasonable October weather and crossing my fingers for the perfect race.
When it came time to actually train, things were different. I had a lot on my plate. Instead of long runs being a respite and the perfect stress relief, they became another stressor — just one more thing on a to-do list that never ended. Long runs are usually my solace. They’re a place where I can solve all the world’s problems, find peace, and get re-energized.
This summer has been different. This summer, I’ve been going through a divorce. And it turns out that sometimes long runs are too long. And too much time alone with your thoughts.
At first, I tried to push on. I signed up for it, I told people I was going to do it, so I should do it. I’d justify that I’d only missed one week… two weeks… three weeks of training. I’d only missed a couple runs that week. Eventually, it became clear that this just isn’t a marathon summer for me.
I like my boa. And Andrea.
But that’s okay. It doesn’t have to be a marathon summer. It’s been a summer of many other things. Self-discovery. Taking care of my health. Spending time with friends. Exploring Chicago. Learning. Napa and hope. Smaller races. Bubble baths. Days off. A break from blogging. Most of all, taking care of me when I needed it.
I won’t beat myself up for not sticking to the plan. Running isn’t my job. I run for fun. So if it’s not fun or it’s not doing me any favors , it’s time to find something else. For me, that meant a long break followed by some shorter distances. (Yes, I now consider a half marathon a “shorter” distance. I’m insane.)
And now it’s fun again. I’m happy to lace up my shoes and get out there. I just needed some time.
What do you do when your beloved exercise or hobby becomes dull? How do you shake it up?
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
I love running too and just like you I find I need to take a break from it from time to time. I am also going through the big D so I understand how that can effect running and life as well. Just keep doing you and you will be just fine!
I’m sorry to hear about your divorce, Lauren. Keep training in whatever way feels the best for you right now. Wishing you peace.
Don’t be sorry! I am looking ahead to brighter days and new adventures. It’s not the outcome we’d hoped for, but we both know it is right. We’re both better for the decision and much more content.
Thanks for your kindness.
That’s good to hear.
Well I don’t know you and I know you said not to be sorry but I am still sorry that you are going through a divorce. My mom passed away and six months later my 3 year relationship ended, and man, breakups needed to be mourned like a death. I can say that with confidence after experiencing both.
When I got bored of going to the gym I joined a crossfit gym, which is a mix of Olympic weight lifting and other “functional” movements as they call them. No ellipticalls or ab machines, just squats and pull-ups and running and stuff like that. It’s team oriented and each day you do a different workout that will probably kick your butt but it won’t be boring. I’m sure you already know this, but nothing makes you feel better about yourself than a good sweat and some sore abs the next day!
Oh, I’m not suggesting at all that it was easy or not to be mourned. Trust me, the loss of a 7-year relationship and 4-year marriage was not easy at all. But he and I remain friends. We simply learned that we are good at being friends, but don’t bring out the best in each other at all. It was a hard loss, but I am not sorry we made the choice to end things. We are both happier and doing better than we have in a long time. That’s what I mean by that — not that it wasn’t a loss — but that we are both better because of it.