Life and Other Stuff

I have started more than a few organized running programs, such as Couch-to-5k and others from famous running coaches and apps – but I’ve never completed any of them in 13+ years of running.

Because dumb things motivate me, such as virtual badges of achievement, I started yet another program, only this time it was via the Peloton platform. I know I’ve run far more than 50 times over the years since I ran my first mile without stopping, but it was the 50th Peloton run.

8 weeks ago I thought, “eh…why not?” not realizing that the last run in the series would coincide with the 50th run overall. TWO BADGES?! YES please! (Again, dumb things motivate.)

Over these weeks, each run has focused on the basics such as cadence, pace, proper form, warming up and cooling down and of course stretching after. It’s been invaluable to me as I dip my toes back into the running waters. The classes all build toward the goal of a sustained 30-minute run. It’s beautifully coached by inspiring instructors and I’ve been singing the praises of this series of classes to anyone who will listen.

I fell in love with running in 2011. I hated it at first. Some runs were better than others and over time, it got easier. I got faster and did races I never would have believed possible. Pushed kids in strollers in community 5ks. Chased my kids around parks and did what could be done around deployment schedules. I even -gasp!- ran on a dreadmill for a while! Now, even though I’ve been cycling and lifting heavy things more frequently, it’s clear that running never fell out of love with me.

It has been waiting patiently for me to remember.