RunKeeper has a feature, like Facebook, where they feature flashback moments except instead of a drunken photo it tells you what you did for a workout x number of years ago. Today, mine said I ran 8 miles two years ago.
Wow, that seems so long ago. It was probably one of my first training runs for the Boston Marathon. The one that I ran 3 weeks pregnant with Tommy.
While in LA, I went for 2 runs. One was 4 miles and the other was shorter, mixed with intervals. I ran for 5 minutes and then did 30 jump lunges, 15 push ups, a 1 minute plank and 20 jackknife crunches (4 times).
At the end of each workout, I thought to myself how good I felt. How nice it was to stop running after 3 or 4 miles. The weather was perfect and I was happy to be outside. I travelled to LA a lot during my Boston Marathon training. I often got to do my training runs along the beach even. I enjoyed them but they were so time consuming.
I was thankful that I didn’t have to run another 4 miles last week for training purposes.
To be honest, I have seen more progress in my body NOT running. It’s been easier to maintain my weight NOT running. I spend so much less time working out these days and I feel like I look stronger. I’m not as lethargic after workouts. I feel energized.
I enjoy taking workout classes like spinning and bootcamp. I enjoy doing short workouts of my own at the gym. I push myself and work hard but it’s over before I know it.
I just don’t enjoy the idea of long training runs right now and for that, I’m retiring from long races for the time being. I’ve always told my clients you don’t HAVE to run to see results. I’ve always enjoyed it, so I did it, but now that I’m not, I’m practicing what I’ve always preached I guess.
The RunKeeper memory reminded me of how my spare time and what I enjoy doing has changed so much in just 2 years.
I still like running. Short distances at least. I’m down with a 5-10K race but I’m taking a break from anything above that for my sanity and body. You can find me using my ClassPass around the city until I get the itch again.
I’m also hoping a company doesn’t challenge me again like they kept doing when I was pregnant… I can’t say no to a challenge.
