Hi All,
I have not posted much on here in ages, but I still stop by and lurk. I read this most recent running thread this morning before I went out for my own run, and I really wanted to post a few words of encouragement to those of you that have a love/hate relationship with running.

I have only been running more seriously for about 7 years. I dabbled before that but got more focused when I started doing triathlons again 7 years ago. I am an adult runner. This is not something that I did in college and am now I am coming back to it. When I started I "worked" to get up to 30 mins. I felt slow, and heavy footed and like I was invading the territory of the real runners.

Today I just got back from a 2 hour trail run. Running comfortably takes time and consistency. Not every run will be fabuluos. As a matter of fact Thursday I spent most of my time on the trail bent over with my hands on my knees, It happens. But it does get better, and it does get easier. It just takes time. One year ago, an hour was my long run and I trained up to make the 13.1 for the Half Ironman I was training for. Now an hour is what we do on a Tuesday.

Will I ever be a 7:30 min miler? No. And that is ok. I am ok with that. What I will be is someone that has come to really enjoy running. If you are feeling creaky and poundy on the road, find a trail or rail trail. It is a whole different animal. Much softer on the joints and very restorative for your soul. Plus the nice thing about trail running is that pacing goes out the window and you just run. Like the wild woman you are meant to be.

If I can start this at 44 and learn to love it in my fabulous 50's, there is hope for almost anybody.

Slow and steady, consistency and patience.....


OK, so now my run from today:
10 miles on the trails
1:54
12 degrees when we started
19 degrees when we finished

Cheers!

Ruth