Part III: Why I Like Running

Throughout grade school, we were tested on a mile run. For me, that consisted of obstinately walking until the teacher granted me an incomplete and called me inside long after my peers had finished. I never tried at sports because I didn't feel it was possible for me to measure up. Trying and failing was much scarier than simply failing. I was decidedly unathletic.

Running is close to the most athletic thing one can do. It is included in most any contact sport.

Running is close to the most athletic thing one can do. It is included in most any contact sport.

Running was my introduction in fitness. It was the first time I tried to physically exert myself. That first attempt, a 5k at work, was a complete failure but it ignited in me a spark to not give up. To try harder. I literally ran myself into the ground trying. That was when I found strength training. 2 years after hitting the weights I wasn't much stronger. When I finally started to lift with real intention and a coach I had to do a lot of unlearning. I heard that running impedes gains in the gym and I wanted to protect them! I stopped running on a consistent basis.

For the next 2 years, I focused almost solely on getting stronger. I followed all the rules and did whatever I was told (almost ;) ). I went on what should have been an easy hike. I was huffing and puffing all the way up. This was not ok with me. I love the outdoors and hiking gives me real joy.

I decided it was time to add in cardio on a consistent basis. This time I would be more methodical on how I was implementing. It seemed like a good time with no meets anywhere on the horizon.

When I started running again I was surprised how much easier it was to run. I beat my old times by minutes. Probably a combination of moving better and physically being able to exert more force into the ground. By this time I knew the rules of training and how I could bend them to work running in.

I rediscovered some of the things that originally drew me to running. The cathartic freedom of moving my body outside, the peace I found from the rhythmic breath, stride, and arms, the satisfaction I got from releasing myself to the sprint.

I have been slowly increasing running and have settled into a comfortable routine supplemental to my strength training. The old me would have been surprised to hear I haven’t increased weekly mileage in months. Yet, I continue to make progress.

Today, I don't push running. I keep things gentle and I am content with consistent steady progress.

I run so that I can run. I lift so that I can do everything else.