Looking back on my running experiences over the past few years, I see a story of great joy, on the one hand, and lessons learned from chasing after that joy when I should be looking elsewhere. 2021 was a magical marathon year, in which I had many satisfying months of training and finished two marathons. This took much of my waking attention and restricted my available energy for other things, but I was completely behind it and I loved nearly every second of it. Afterwards, however, I was probably exhausted (and likely injured). I needed to take a step back, but I didn’t pay attention. I went into last year too regimented with more marathon plans fixed in place. Because I wasn’t tuning into what I needed, I didn’t feel the freedom and overall joy I experienced the year before.
Eventually, I got the message and backed off.
It’s nice to be back on track. Today I ran a pleasant six miles with my buddy Dave. We chatted as we took a nice comfortable pace, which included walk breaks. I enjoyed myself greatly, and I felt a wonderful sense of freedom and ease that made me want to write this post.
I am loving the sense of ease and freedom in my life. I don’t have to plan my every move in life around my running schedule. I am able to sleep in, sleep longer, and go to sleep later if I want. I feel basically like a normal person when it comes to eating and hydration. Meanwhile, I have been swimming with my wife, going to the occasional yoga class, and enjoying pleasant runs with my buddies.
I’m actually exercising quite a lot, yet it is not a strain. Here is my exercise for the last week:
- Sunday: swimming 1/2 minutes
- Monday: running 1 hour
- Wednesday: running 1/2 hr, swimming 1/2 hr
- Thursday: running 1 hr
- Friday: swimming 1/2 hr
- Saturday (today): running 1 hr
Running time: 3 1/2 hrs. Swimming time: 1 1/2 hrs. Total exercise time: 5 hrs
Am I done with marathon training? I doubt it. It is so rewarding! But I am in no rush. Even when I get back into longer mileage, I am committed to having a satisfying experience first and foremost.
Live for Joy, Run for Joy!