Thursday, January 18, 2018

My first run in 2018

I slacked in 2018 so far. In regards to running. Today was the first day I went running in this year, and it is already January 18th. In the past, by now, I would complete at least 8,9 runs.
I can certainly find a couple of excuses: It was too cold, it was Christmas time, it was New Years, I spend the majority of my time skiing.....
But then, I did similar things in the past. I did go running on - 25 C. I did go running during Christmas and New Years. I did ski a lot in December and January.
What was different this time?


I got scared by cold weather. I just couldn't push myself to go running, to simply get going. I was thinking about cold and about being cold. But then, I did go mountain climbing, I did go backcountry skiing, I did go resort skiing, I even did go shopping  :). And during all of these activities, it was almost - 30 C.

Did I become weak? Am I getting old? Am I tired of being uncomfortable? Or was it just a period in which my body wanted to rest. To take rest from running.
Perhaps. I don't know. I might find out it when there is another super cold weather snap......
Quite interesting how all of these questions pop up in my mind, and I start questioning myself.
As it's never enough.


But, I did go running today and I did enjoy my first run in 2018. It was still "cold", well, just -9 C, but for us at this latitude and altitude, that's warm.
I chose a flat route, as I didn't want my lungs to complain. I knew that my legs might complain, but they didn't :).
The flat route was really not that flat, it was still hilly, but it didn't push me as other "normal' routes.
I was listening to my body, the way how it was reacting to the terrain. It was interesting how even on very small hills I slowed down, even though I wanted to keep the pace. My brain wanted it, but my body was unable to comply. I just slowed down.


But I kept pushing.
It was a wonderful feeling, running again, being completely free. Being off-grid. Using your own power. Being connected with nature.
Feeling my lungs and heart.
Being alone but not lonely.

Running again.