When I was trying to come up with a name for my blog...I thought of many different ideas! The reason I decided on "Enjoying the run," was because that is exactly what I wanted to learn how to do! It was time to enjoy the run! Not that I have not always enjoyed running. But I would have to say that the reason I have always liked to run is for competition. I love to compete...against myself...but it is always been a competitive thing for me. In fact, I ran just so I could race! I have always been amazed at the runner who runs everyday, just out of pure love of running!
I actually never realized this about me, until a couple of years ago. When a dear friend of mine, Kris, was running with me! It was right around our towns Tulip festival, so as we ran she mentioned all the beautiful tulips and other blooming spring beauties. And then she said, "Oh I love the smell of fresh baked dutch spice cookies!" I thought to myself, I don't smell anything. So I took a big sniff, and couldn't believe what my senses smelled, flowers, fresh spring air, dutch cookies, and many more! I think that may have been the first time that I smelled while running!
I am serious. This is how I run...I just run! I don't look around...I don't smell....I don't even hear! I just run! So I decided that day to start to enjoy running more! Of course it is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks...and so I slowly fell back into old ways!
So when I started running this year I decided that I was going to put aside the whole competition thing and enjoy everything around me as I ran. Once again, I started, then immediately started to make goals...all which were based on running faster! I forgot what I wanted to teach myself.
So lately I have been evaluating what I am doing and have decided to scrap all my previously written goals. I am going to enjoy running...I am going to see ....I am going to smell! I am excited to try a Tri! I am still going to race, and maybe even PR, but I am not going to set expectations on myself...not this year! I am going to let my body fully recover from being so depleted...and slowly get back into shape!
With that all said, I went on a run yesterday...no pace or distance, I just ran for time. I ran out 35 minutes and them back! While I was running I thought , I really don't know how to do this. I had stared at the road the entire time! (I know...poor running form....been doing it my whole life!) So I decided to take a deep sniff, and enjoy the air.
I about fell over backwards....my nose hairs burned with the intense aroma!
I actually never realized this about me, until a couple of years ago. When a dear friend of mine, Kris, was running with me! It was right around our towns Tulip festival, so as we ran she mentioned all the beautiful tulips and other blooming spring beauties. And then she said, "Oh I love the smell of fresh baked dutch spice cookies!" I thought to myself, I don't smell anything. So I took a big sniff, and couldn't believe what my senses smelled, flowers, fresh spring air, dutch cookies, and many more! I think that may have been the first time that I smelled while running!
I am serious. This is how I run...I just run! I don't look around...I don't smell....I don't even hear! I just run! So I decided that day to start to enjoy running more! Of course it is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks...and so I slowly fell back into old ways!
So when I started running this year I decided that I was going to put aside the whole competition thing and enjoy everything around me as I ran. Once again, I started, then immediately started to make goals...all which were based on running faster! I forgot what I wanted to teach myself.
So lately I have been evaluating what I am doing and have decided to scrap all my previously written goals. I am going to enjoy running...I am going to see ....I am going to smell! I am excited to try a Tri! I am still going to race, and maybe even PR, but I am not going to set expectations on myself...not this year! I am going to let my body fully recover from being so depleted...and slowly get back into shape!
With that all said, I went on a run yesterday...no pace or distance, I just ran for time. I ran out 35 minutes and them back! While I was running I thought , I really don't know how to do this. I had stared at the road the entire time! (I know...poor running form....been doing it my whole life!) So I decided to take a deep sniff, and enjoy the air.
I about fell over backwards....my nose hairs burned with the intense aroma!
And then I looked over to the left and there was a freshly hit road kill....a skunk!
That smell is still in my nostrils and will remain FOREVER!
Next time I am going to check out the scenery before I smell!
Wow- first!! I think that's a great way to look at running. I can see how easy it is to get into the training/racing focus and not necessarily "enjoy" the run itself. I think that's great that you want to get more in touch with your runs. You'll have a great time doing a tri:)!
ReplyDeleteI'm soooo glad we don't have skunks in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great plan! Having fun on the run :)
ReplyDeleteBummer!! Sorry about that:) You need to watch out for those striped cats:) Have a great weekend Sherri!
ReplyDeleteI was trying to figure out how your blog was "enjoying the run" as I always think of it as "Running Rocks" because that is what I see at the top of your post. But I finally figured it out that your web address is "enjoying the run" - anyway . . . :)
ReplyDeleteI am always running in the dark so I "see" more with my sense of smell! Today I could smell all sorts of flowers but see none of them!
Have a great weekend.
hahaha...stinky! I run b/c I am generally better to be around if I am in a routine of running and training. Also I wear headphones now all the time, it's a tough thing to be alond with your thoughts! j/k - have a great wknd
ReplyDelete~D
Another great post! I love smelling when I run, especially on Saturday/Sunday mornings. I can smell people's laundry, horses' poo, and freshly mowed grass.
ReplyDeletehahahahahaha! You're hilarious! I can picture the whole scenerio!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love the ending! Some years back I stopped looking at my watch at all during training and racing. I enjoy my running much more this way. Running good times just come by itself from time to time. I never go for a time anymore and just run and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteOh, that sucks. Ew! I saw a freshly killed raccoon on my ride today. Felt bad for him, poor thing.
ReplyDeleteBrutal! Funny post though - I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteFunny post! I'm the exact opposite of you. I love to explore and only enter races that look fun with good scenery. Maybe that's why I never get any faster. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your post, Sherri! When I got done with a marahton in Portland last year, I hung up the "time clock" aspects of racing. I DO want to be my very best entering a marathon or a race but no longer will I set a time goal, it just is too heartbreaking if it doesn't work out, which at my age, it rarely does, so my goals now are to just enjoy the training and see what I'm made up of at the race.
ReplyDeleteEwwww on the skunk - nasty!
Oh man, and how I have vivid memories of my mom taking me to the tulip festival when I was a kid - she's no longer alive so I cherish that time spent with her there. Someday I must return...and meet you :).
Have a great week, girl!!