I have mentioned in earlier posts that I enjoy running on our local bike path called the Heritage Trail. It’s an old railroad track that was paved over. It’s safe, smooth and quiet. It’s also where I ride my bicycle.
So today I decided to get out for another 10 mile run. As I got to about the 2.5 mile mark I looked off the side of the trail and saw a small herd of black cows (see images).
In The Beginning
I remember back to when I started running (I mean seriously running). It was tough – not just physically, but mentally as well. Getting myself motivated was a challenge and was one reason I started blogging – sort of a way to keep myself accountable.
But now, I really do enjoy a good run. It clears my mind, it relieves stress, it keeps me strong and much more. My knees sometimes still bother me after the longer runs – arthritis can be that way 🙂 But for one thing, the benefits far outweigh the bouts of knee pain. And for another thing, my knees actually hurt less than they used to 🙂
What about you? What motivates you to run? Did you like it right away or was it gradual?
So today’s run… 10.4 miles, 107 minutes, 10:22 pace.
Mile 1 – 9:45
Mile 2 – 10:20
Mile 3 – 10:25
Mile 4 – 10:33
Mile 5 – 10:24
Mile 6 – 10:47
Mile 7 – 10:32
Mile 8 – 10:33
Mile 9 – 10:40
Mile 10 – 10:03
My pace showed a small improvement over last week – 10:22 vs. 10:55 Let’s see how we do next week 🙂
So before you go, leave a comment on your running. Perhaps you can motivate someone to run 😉
Update – 11 years later.
This article was originally written for a personal accountability blog when I started running. I was about a year into it by that point. Things have changed a lot since then.
Just before covid hit I was training for a marathon. I was doing an 18 mile run one day, then the lockdown came. Of course, I took a little time off from running. But I was still fine.
Covid hit me personally a few months later and knocked me back a bit. Not an especially bad case compared to so many others, but bad enough. That was now over 2 years ago.
Since then, I’m lucky to be able to run 3 miles without stopping. Even when I do, the pace sits around 11:30 per mile, where it used to be about 8:45 per mile.
It’s both frustrating and disappointing because after seeing multiple doctors, there is no smoking gun. Nothing stands out. As far as all my doctors are concerned, I am the picture of health for a 58 year old.
But I’m not giving up. I have gone back to the start – strength and core training, some cardio and in the spring, I will see where I stand.
The key is to not give up. So if you have had any setbacks, pick yourself brush yourself off and keep moving forward.
