Last year, I ran before work almost daily. The runs varied in distance, but I knew that at least three mornings per week I was lacing up my shoes and out the door before 6:15am.
Lately, I haven’t been running much at all, especially not before work. In fact, it is hard to believe that 51 days ago I ran the Berlin Marathon and 37 days ago I ran my first trail half marathon.
Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been recovering or taking a break from working out. Instead, I’ve been spending far more time cross training. After focusing so much of my time and effort on running, focusing my energy on cross training has been a welcome change of pace. I am not constantly comparing myself to others or to my previous abilities as so many of these activities are new. I’ve written previously (here) about the rabbit’s hole I find myself in every few months, coveting other people’s runs and comparing myself.
I have no desire to return to that place. Swimming has given me a confidence I haven’t felt in ages. Each Tuesday and Thursday morning, as I’m showering after practice, I basically give myself a personal high five just for waking up and surviving practice. In addition to swimming, I’ve found myself incorporating more strength work and group fitness classes. This change of pace has allowed me to stay in shape and stay motivated during the previous few weeks of rain in Geneva.
But this morning, as Mary and I ran along the lake, I remembered why I used to run each morning. While any morning workout provides me with a burst of energy stronger than any cup of coffee, running is one of the only morning workouts that also allows me to enjoy that breath of fresh air. I find myself inside, especially during the winter months, for the majority of each day. Even though the sun may not be shining and as the weeks continue each run will be colder and colder, the fresh air regardless the temperature, invigorates me. It allows me to enjoy morning views of the snow capped mountains, explore the streets before the commuters takeover and spend time catching up with a friend or just my thoughts.
My race calendar may only consist of fun 5k and 10k races over the next few months, until my Spring goal race, the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon, but that won’t keep me from heading out the door at least a few mornings each week.
I completely agree. It might be hard to get out of bed, especially in the dark/cold winter ams, but you can’t compare the amazing “I ran this morning” feeling that you keep all day long.
Exactly Nicole!! 🙂 I have a HIGH all day long!
Agreed– nothing is better than a little fresh air in the morning via a run. Especially in winter when you’ll mostly be indoors later! I’ve been chilling out on the running this fall too, but every time I get back out there I remember why I love it so much. 🙂
I totally miss morning running, especially when the majority of mine are done during the summer! I was on running hiatus this summer 😉 After a break I think it feels even better!