Runner

I love running. I feel like that’s my “me time”. For thirty minutes of every other day, I go for a run and I get my energy boost. I also get to burn off some calories and stress. It gives me time to think about things, cool down if I’m angry, or just run out the frustrations of the day. It had definitely improved my energy level, and I was feeling so good!

I’m by no means, a runner. I feel like I’d be insulting that title for those out there that really truly are hardcore runners. But, my goal for this summer was to get myself ready for a 5k and then start training to do a half marathon. I told myself, if I could run 5 miles in high school with no problem, I could get back into shape and try for a 13.1 mile run. In due time of course. Then once that was accomplished, maybe in a few years, I’d start my adventure on running a full marathon. It’s a dream and a “goal” of mine. Now when I say “goal”, I mean that if it doesn’t happen I won’t beat myself up over it. I’m content with just achieving my old 5-mile run! So, I had all these plans and I had started on my 30-day “eat clean” diet. Then, shit hit the fan and my diet took a back seat. After that, I ended up getting heat exhaustion on a run so I took a few days off. Ever since then, I’ve been burnt out.

My 9-minute miles have turned into 10-11 minute miles. My shin splits started hurting again, and I my breathing is all off! I feel as if I’m not getting deep enough breaths. Sometimes, my chest feels like it’s tightening and I have to stop. Or, I’ll get a shooting pain in my side from not breathing correctly. I was doing at least 2 miles when I went out, but now I can’t even get past the first one. I literally feel like I’m stalling out. I don’t know how to fix this, either? My brother said it could be that I’m sticking to repeated routes or it could be my playlist (never changing it). But, I can’t just drive back into town to go for a run, that’s a waste of gas. And I know the lake has some trails, but I twist my ankles enough on flat ground. So, I try to go for runs around my tiny little town, that way I’m not gone for too long. I take my thirty minutes, and then I’m back, still having plenty of time to do any chores left and fit in a shower.

So now, I need to figure this out. Before, I was so motivated! When I’d get home I’d be dressed in my running gear, sunscreen on, iPod ready, and stretching out the kinks. I’d hit the pavement and the first two miles would be easy. Now, I have very little motivation to even go for a run because I don’t like the pains I’m getting. Once I do get out I find myself not being able to push through my mile, and my pace has gotten slower. This is frustrating me! I feel like I start out good, but even before I hit .5 miles, I start having these problems.

I’m not sure what’s going on? I’ve been reading some running magazines, but so far haven’t really seen anything that has my “symptoms”. So I don’t know if I need to see a doctor, or if I just need to take more than a few days off? Or is my brother right, do I need a change of scenery and playlist? I hope I figure it out soon! I’m so ready to get back on the saddle and start on my 5k’s again!