In my former life, I had a job that required physical fitness, thus running wasn’t just about keeping in shape, but a requirement. Running became more like the work that it was. My ability to run long and slow had to be morphed into the ability to run faster per mile on a shorter course, which isn’t optimal for my body type but very doable. I did it. After doing that style of running for a long time, when I retired, I stopped running, completely. I did join a CrossFit gym for a few months, but I was trying to lift too much/too fast and hurt myself to the point I had to stop lifting. I stopped lifting completely. I convinced myself that all the boat work I was doing (and still do) was enough to keep me in shape and I didn’t need to run. This is partially true. But there’s a lot that I’m missing and it’s taken me five years to realize it. I had to stop running completely to realize that I miss running.
So this isn’t a new years resolution cause I hate them. This is a starting point. I think running and my own running goals and milestones has been missing. So, it’s simply time to start again. I’m starting slow.
On the 26th of December 2022 I put on my running shoes again after not wearing them for three years straight. I have not been on a run in three years. But I needed to start somewhere. So I laced them back up and the HelmsMistress took me out for my first run in nearly five years. We ran/walked the one mile jungle loop trail here near the boat. It was invigorating and intimidating all at once. I was finally out running/walking again on my own, by my own volition, because I wanted to do it. So I laced up my shoes, put one foot in front of the other and ran/walked an entire mile. I’ll continue to build on that small foundation.