runner's diary #3: lessons on consistency
another post about running
I’m a runner again - technically once a runner always a runner but my running shoes are back on and laced and I am off to the races.
I’m fully in my wellness era. I can’t say that it was all the New Year, New Me inspiration that came about during the new calendar year but I feel inspired. It’s not just a newfound dedication to movement but an overall appreciation of well-being. This inspiration is allowing me to fully tap into intentional movement looks for me and showing up for my body as it needs.
Towards the end of last year (how was that just 2024 and not 2023???) I started posting a running series on Instagram. It was to practice being more consistent in my running and what better way to do that than to post it on the internet?
It was simple enough, here are the rules:
Run 3 days a week
Run outside for at least 1 of these runs
Each run was a different length
The run plan consisted of a 4-week running plan. Each week I progressively increased the amount of miles.
Week 1- Run 1, 2, and 4 miles for a total of 7 miles
Week 2- Run 1, 3, 6 miles for a total of 10 miles
Week 3- Run 2, 4, and 8 miles for a total of 14 miles
Week 4- Run 5, 7, and 10 miles for a total of 22 miles
Physically, I knew I could do it. I had been on again off again running throughout the year. Instead, I had shifted my focus to other forms of movement - between practicing pilates and hiking for much of the year. I didn’t realize it but I needed a break. So here I am running consistently. I laced up my Saucony’s and trusty running socks and got to it. I started with a comfortable pace that felt manageable. For the first week, I ran a total of 7 miles and felt pretty good. I knew if I could get through the first week of running AND posting, I could do anything.
Week 2 came about and I felt unstoppable. I had another 3-mile run, followed by what was supposed to be 5 miles. During this run, I just couldn’t get into it. I ran the wrong way at times, the road was closed and then my phone died. When I stopped running (if Strava doesn’t track it, did it happen? I did finish but I slowed down significantly), I noticed I had a shooting pain in my tailbone. I was immediately annoyed. Not that I had the injury but I felt like my body was forcing me to stop when I finally had momentum. I did listen to my body and am I glad I did. After 4 days off, I decided to get back to it. This time with a series of 5Ks - at a manageable distance that wouldn’t feel impossible to get through. To make it easier, I stuck to the treadmill. It’s funny how being made to slow down allows so much clarity. With a series of 5Ks, I was able to focus on how I ran instead of my pace, and in doing so I became a better runner. I listened to myself more and became a better coach.
Somehow being forced to listen to my body allowed me the opportunity to run better and hit better PRs than I had in a while. Soon after that, I found that my time and pace were steadily getting faster and faster and I felt so good while running. I was breathing better, pacing myself, and allowing myself to feel at ease while running longer distances.
I rolled into week 3 and felt strong enough to do longer runs. My long run for the week was an 8-mile run. I felt amazing, a week of focusing on 5Ks allowed me to take each run in stride. I knew how to run smarter instead of harder and I was better for it. Before I knew it, week 4 of runs came, and let me tell you, I did that. I started with 5 miles, then 7, and finally the long run of the week, 10 miles. Funny enough, I knew before I started my 10-mile run that it would be a tough run to get into. The first 5 miles felt like I was running through mud, again, I needed to be patient and allow myself to find my flow. I eventually did and I felt like I was a superhero striding through. My favorite part of long runs now is the .85 of every mile. There’s something about seeing that number and knowing that I would be onto the next mile in .15 miles that just added a needed pep in my step.
In doing this running challenge, I was able to connect with myself not just as a runner but in general. A few weeks out from this challenge and I am still on cloud 9. I am so proud of myself for lacing up my shoes for the first run, and for repeatedly showing up for myself even when I didn’t feel motivated to. I frequently run outside now, something that I used to gleefully avoid. I’m continuing to remain consistent with and I’m so proud that I can say that. Running is the one sport that I believe any and everyone could do. It’s a sport that challenges the beliefs you have and pushes you to be better. For now, I’m just enjoying running but I already know the itch for a race or two will come and I’ll be ready for it.
Until Next Time,
Nneoma