ashleyd /

Don’t Let the Run Rule Your Life

Happy Monday!

We had a wonderful weekend filled with a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration here in Switzerland.

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There may have been one too many glasses of wine enjoyed with Casey and Joel but hey, I hear life is all about balance. I will share more of our adventures from Montreux later this week but for now, let’s talk about another favorite topic – running.

After an aggressive training plan last week I woke up for Friday morning’s long run exhausted and completely sore. My body was suffering from delayed onset muscle soreness in a huge way. In addition, while my iron levels are improving, I still need to be conscious to listen to my body whether it’s soreness or the need to sleep longer.  I texted Emily regretfully cancelling our long run date even though I’d enjoyed perfect pizza the night before in preparation for our run.

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If I’d been married to my training plan I would have guilted myself into running what would have been a sup-par long run due to tired legs, a bad mental state and exhaustion. Instead, I texted back and forth with Gia debating the best option for the week’s remaining runs. Emily and I agreed that we’d meet Sunday morning, bright and early, for a run along the lake together. A Saturday evening shakeout run before hand on Saturday would have me ready for the run while also getting them used to running on “tired” legs.

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Little did I know that Saturday evening the weather in Geneva would be absolutely incredible. I literally gasped in awe when we exited the train at 5pm as there was a perfect light breeze, the sun was shining and the temperature was right around 65 degrees. The weather could not have been any more perfect. This, along with the fact that Joel and Casey had high hopes for a traditional Swiss fondue dinner on Saturday night seemed like fate telling me that I should change my long run schedule.

I know, I know. A coach exists to give a runner a schedule, challenge them and help ensure that they are preparing their body in the best possible way for an upcoming goal. Unfortunately for Gia, I’ve been training a few too many years. I’ve learned the hard way that if I’m going to enjoy training and be successful, I can’t let the run rule my life. I have to be able to enjoy this incredible experience we’re having in Europe while also challenging my legs and mind to run faster than ever before.

Those 9 miles enjoyed with Emily on Saturday night were exactly what I needed emotionally, mentally and physically. Physically they were not easy as I was a bit hung-over and dehydrated from #allthewine the night before. We’d also spent five hours touring Chateau Chillon and Montreux.  But, as soon as Emily and I started running the fresh air, sunshine and incredible views brightened our attitudes and before we knew it we were throwing down sub 9:30 miles. We forced ourselves to slow down but overall the miles felt easier than I expected.

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By 8:30 that night I was enjoyed delicious fondue with Joel, Casey and Bo so thankful for the decision I’d made. I was enjoying the experience versus worrying what the fondue would do for what was supposed to be my Sunday morning long run.

The next time you think about rearranging your life or missing out on something due to a run, question whether it isn’t possible to be agile and readjust your schedule. In the long run, this is most likely the best decision for your love of running.

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ashleyd /

One Month

When I close my eyes, I can’t believe that a month ago I spent the day in our closet laughing, crying, talking, and reminiscing with Laura and Theodora.

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One month ago Bo and I climbed the stairs to our new home in Geneva, Switzerland bearing 8 large suitcases filled with clothing, bedding, shoes, running gear, and a few other things that at the time I considered to be essential for living until my air and sea shipments arrived in Switzerland.

I don’t recommend listening to Lifehouse or Oasis on the Revolve Sunday Morning Spotify list when making a realization like this.

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It may just result in tears.

But then, a moment later, I realize that tears are natural but they are more from an emotional stand point. A lot has happened in a month. But, I have very little, if anything, to cry about. Sure, every moment isn’t puppies, peonies, and rose. People have asked how things “really” are outside of happy Instagram pictures. Seriously, they are going better than I could have imagined 90% of the time. 10% of the time I miss my family, friends, husband, and New York like crazy. I miss Sunday night dinners with Meg or random workout dates in the city with friends. I miss my work buddies. I hate that friends have to think whether texting and/or calling me will result in crazy phone bills. I miss peanut butter. But, that is seriously a maximum of 10% of the time.

Let’s focus on the other 90%.  If you told me I would meet two other American gals who are or have just gone through the exact same emotions I’m going through right now within weeks of moving here, I would have called you a crazy optimist.

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I found a running partner who is a morning person and lives less than a quarter mile away. My friends who are locals have been more helpful than I could have ever imagined. I mean seriously, have you ever taken a document to your office and asked someone to read it because you can’t translate four pages of a legal document that is in French?  Moving to a new city has been so humbling as I have no idea where to go for happy hour or much less a simple dinner with friends. Luckily, I have colleagues who have turned into friends and are willing to answer emails and text messages at all hours.  My air shipment arrived on the exact date the company predicted and even better, my very organized husband spent half a day unpacking it and creating a system while I was at work. So sure, there are ups and downs and moments that just make me laugh out loud but at the end of the day, I can’t really complain about the transition at the one month point.

Yesterday I saw this quote yesterday on a blog post and immediately shared it with Bo and Theodora because it really puts into words this crazy journey we’re experiencing.

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So there you go, life isn’t perfect right now but the Instagram, blog posts, Twitter, and Facebook posts are all pretty true, other than the cultural adjustments which are pretty normal and the few other things that have humbled me.

Thank you for being here and continuing to read! You all are one of my many support networks!

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