Running on Empty

We have been chatting about the hardships of February, and I wanted to share that one of the things that is really getting me through is sneaking out for a run whenever I can. This afternoon I was just totally exhausted and working out seemed like the last thing that would help (shockingly, I was so tired that I was even longing for a cigarette) but going for a run in the clear, cold sunshine really changed me attitude and gave me the second wind that I needed.

The amazing thing about running, for a mom in particular, is that you can do it as soon as you get out your door, so exercising for half and hour takes exactly half an hour, no drive to the gym needed. This means that you can run as soon as your husband walks in the door, first thing in the morning, or anytime you can grad a teenager to watch your brood for a little while.

At this time of year, getting outside a little bit is crucial to my mental health, I used to ski a few days a week, but that hobby is both costly and impractical for me right now!

If you are not ready to run, start out by walking, and you will get there. I have hated to run for my entire life, I just thought of it as something I did to train for other sports. I walked throughout my pregnancy and just after the baby was born, and then I transitioned to running just a mile. I added a little bit at a time and I am now running 3 miles at a time. I am running them very, very slowly — JM ran her 8K faster than I can run 5k! But I am doing it, about three days a week, and it is really, really impacting my mental (and physical) health.

I had a breakthrough about running when I was whining to my husband the other night — I don’t want to relieve stress by eating or by spending money, so what can I do? Running is a healthy, productive and practical way to raise my endorphins, and once I get out the door and get going I am so glad that I did.

So, ladies, perhaps it is time to pick a spring time race and start training?