Right now, I’m a fish out of water. I’m floundering. I’m gasping for breath even though I’m hardly moving at all. Too much stillness allows thoughts to zoom through my head. Thoughts that have no business being there. Thoughts that do more harm than good. Too much sitting is not relaxing, is not calming, is not restful. Too much sitting is anxiety-provoking, is unsettling, is infuriating. … Continue reading Writing is Racing
When a runner can’t run, she is not her best self. When a runner can’t run, her body is restless. Her legs are restless. Her mind is restless. Nothing quells the restless like running does. When a runner can’t run, she sometimes gets pissy about people posting about running. Braggy braggarts! But, this only lasts a minute, until she remembers that not being happy for them will … Continue reading When a Runner Can’t Run
Laundry is not a chore I mind doing. It’s something I can do while I’m doing other things around the house. It doesn’t require me to get my hands dirty. It’s not too physically demanding, except when I lug the basket up and down the stairs, but then I can pretend I’m getting some cardio in. I like the way our detergent smells. I like … Continue reading Three Dirty Wash Cloths Can Put A Parent With Anxiety and Depression Over The Edge
This time around I set out with the intention of running a marathon again. For awhile there, I didn’t think I’d be able to make it. I felt too weak. Too tired. Too busy. But, I decided that I wanted it, so I found a way to make it work. I’m not the skinniest. I’m not the strongest. I’m not the fastest. But, I do not … Continue reading The Purposeful Marathoner (The Purposeful Person)
Jogging isn’t just a workout. This is one of the big keys to understanding why runners always talk about running, even to those who couldn’t care less about running. For most of us, the trot itself is a life coach. It paves the path for processing and understanding our existence. Here are a few examples of what I mean: 1. Plans are needed to reach big … Continue reading 14 Life Lessons Running Teaches You
1. Yes, they really need all of that gear. You don’t realize all of the places that chafe and rub until you’re starting to rack up the miles. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Rubbing that’s not even noticed at mile three can turn into a deep red burning patch of inflamed skin by mile eight. Depending on the temperature, different weights and … Continue reading 5 Things Spouses of Runners Need to Know
1. Run way slower than you think you should. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re going to run as fast as you did in high school (if you even ran in high school – that’s certainly not a prerequisite). The point is, you’re old and out of shape now, and you just need to work with what you have. When you’re first starting … Continue reading Unconventional Tips For Beginning Runners
I have a friend who has dozens of half-marathons and several full marathons under her belt. She is tall and thin and gorgeous and smart and is one of those people who might give the impression that running is effortless for her. Old Me thought that for her, running was easy. Old Me never considered the possibility of being able to run a half-marathon myself, and most definitely not a … Continue reading Running Parallels Life: It’s Never Easy
How Her Morning Went: She thought about what she had to do. It seemed impossible. “I cant do it!” She said. But she knew she had to try so she started. It was hard. She knew it would be hard. But good grief, it was SO hard. She bent over in exhaustion. She wiped her dripping brow. She paused and shut her eyes. Her shirt … Continue reading This Is Why Runners Run
He kept trying to help, but no matter what he did, it wasn’t helping. On the days he made dinner, he left the counter dirty and loads of pots and pans in the sink. On the days he completed projects around the house, he was busy for so long she felt abandoned. On the days he stayed nearby she felt smothered. When he said to wake him … Continue reading He Kept Trying To Help
A Morning Grouch 