After saying I was going to blog more regularly I now realise it's been months! It's been an odd year of running with no events to go to. I know there has been some races going ahead but personally decided not to enter any for the time being.
I have been running though, everyday I am now on day 512 of my current run streak and over 2000 miles for the year. I had plans to do lots of miles over this half term but then on Monday I got the call I have been dreading since March... There has been a positive case in your bubble and you need to self isolate. It would be fine I told myself in panic, I have a garden, I can run in the garden. And yes I can but it isn't the same, I have run 5k each morning, the grass is ruined, the run streak is saved but running in the garden is rubbish!
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| After 3 days!! |
It just doesn't give you the same feeling, there isn't enough room to get any speed up and it's dull. I have been listening to podcasts while I go round and round and round, so not only am I the nutter running in the garden I am laughing too. I considered a garden marathon when I was trying to be positive at the beginning of the week, but 5k is enough.
So I got to thinking about running and what it means to me, I posted this quote the other morning when I was particularly fed up.
It might sound melodramatic, especially to non runners, but I really do feel like something is missing. When I run I think it is maybe the only time I am truly myself. My anxiety disappears, I am not comparing myself with anyone else, worrying about whether I fit in, wondering if people really like me. All that is gone, it's just me, the real me, I am long past caring if I run 9 minute or 12 minute miles. I am just happy when I run, outdoors, with nature (last weekend I spent several minutes just stood watching a deer). There is no pressure to be someone I'm not when I run.
Anyway I have just 6 more garden runs to do, keeping everything crossed that I remain symptom free and assuming Boris will still allow outdoor exercise if/when this next lockdown happens! I am already planning next Saturday's route!
Happy running xxxx
