Donna- Thanks for sharing this. You had me at the title. Which reminded me of a possible other reality: "Deep down, everyone who says they like cold weather is lying." ;) Hope you're well.
Thanks for this essay, from a 71 year old grannies who had an enjoyable and late life running habit, until I broke my right leg badly (falling into a Minoan slit grave) and who longs to lurch (Dave Letterman term) slowly along again. Also I bought that Slow AF book ;)
“You don’t look like you have a fractured pelvis…” There is absolutely no good response to this observation." hahaha enjoyed this. I also believe that deep down runners do not like running. But this is easy to believe because I also do not like running!
I used to play soccer fairly competitively through high school. Soccer involves a lot of running, which I was fine with. But making varsity at my high school involved (among other things) running a mile and a half in 12 minutes. I distinctly resented the need to train specifically for the 12-minute run, and I hated just running to run. I made varsity my junior and senior years, but I never understood running as a hobby.
Just coming here to scream because I am a person who deeply hated running for most of my life and now I am the sort of person who runs half marathons for fun but I also actively relate to like all the things you said here. (Also I consistently run 11-12 min/miles and do not have the "expected" physique for a runner AT ALL, which has taken me a long time to be okay with!)
And yes, that picture does prove you are a badass.
Not every body is a runner. There’s LOTS of alternatives! But if you do want to give it a try again, let me help! I think my Breath Runner program could help you find the rhythm needed to get to that “Happy Place” in running! 🙏🏃♀️👍
I picked up running about weekly a year ago (except when it’s way too hot or cold or rainy), but it’s more like the “fleeing” running you describe. I’m home with my kids all day, so running for 30-45 mins (with breaks, I only run like 14 mins without a break tops) is my escape. I have no ambitions to run more than a 5k and I’m not even there yet or actively training. I definitely like how I feel after I’m done than when I’m running, but with my compassion-first style of pacing I have seen improvement (less discomfort while running). I agree with you, there’s no reason to attempt to live at a certain ideal you hate. I’m sure eventually my knees will hurt and I’ll try biking instead (it’s hilly where I live right now so that felt like the scarier option. My running path avoids big hills).
Donna- Thanks for sharing this. You had me at the title. Which reminded me of a possible other reality: "Deep down, everyone who says they like cold weather is lying." ;) Hope you're well.
Having had a similar experience, I can't agree more!!! But also psst come join the (literal, metaphorical) resistance... https://www.thecut.com/2022/02/casey-johnston-didnt-start-weight-lifting-to-be-strong.html
I've been reading your Swole Woman newsletter for a long time and it's such an inspiration. Thank you for all you do!
Thanks for this essay, from a 71 year old grannies who had an enjoyable and late life running habit, until I broke my right leg badly (falling into a Minoan slit grave) and who longs to lurch (Dave Letterman term) slowly along again. Also I bought that Slow AF book ;)
“You don’t look like you have a fractured pelvis…” There is absolutely no good response to this observation." hahaha enjoyed this. I also believe that deep down runners do not like running. But this is easy to believe because I also do not like running!
I used to play soccer fairly competitively through high school. Soccer involves a lot of running, which I was fine with. But making varsity at my high school involved (among other things) running a mile and a half in 12 minutes. I distinctly resented the need to train specifically for the 12-minute run, and I hated just running to run. I made varsity my junior and senior years, but I never understood running as a hobby.
Just coming here to scream because I am a person who deeply hated running for most of my life and now I am the sort of person who runs half marathons for fun but I also actively relate to like all the things you said here. (Also I consistently run 11-12 min/miles and do not have the "expected" physique for a runner AT ALL, which has taken me a long time to be okay with!)
And yes, that picture does prove you are a badass.
Not every body is a runner. There’s LOTS of alternatives! But if you do want to give it a try again, let me help! I think my Breath Runner program could help you find the rhythm needed to get to that “Happy Place” in running! 🙏🏃♀️👍
I picked up running about weekly a year ago (except when it’s way too hot or cold or rainy), but it’s more like the “fleeing” running you describe. I’m home with my kids all day, so running for 30-45 mins (with breaks, I only run like 14 mins without a break tops) is my escape. I have no ambitions to run more than a 5k and I’m not even there yet or actively training. I definitely like how I feel after I’m done than when I’m running, but with my compassion-first style of pacing I have seen improvement (less discomfort while running). I agree with you, there’s no reason to attempt to live at a certain ideal you hate. I’m sure eventually my knees will hurt and I’ll try biking instead (it’s hilly where I live right now so that felt like the scarier option. My running path avoids big hills).