It Took Running A 196 Mile Relay For Me to Remember...

1.  Running is community. Most of us run when we have time, which ends up being by ourselves. The magic happens when you can run with others. There is shared joy, misery, excitement and encouragement. A simple nod from someone that you have never met can reassure you that it’s worth the discomfort. Talking about running is encouraged in this environment. The stresses slip away whether you are talking to your running partner, getting to know another runner who carries you through a tough part of the race or just listening to each other’s feet hit the ground. The feeling is unmatched.

2. I have self-limiting beliefs. “I can’t run that fast.” “I would never be able to maintain that pace for that distance.” “I will fall apart if I go out that fast.” These are things I tell myself often in training. When I run with others, they may say “just try it.” And that is all it takes to put yourself out there. No judgment and no harm if it doesn’t work. Maybe that hill isn’t too steep. Just because you couldn’t run that fast 2 months ago doesn’t mean that you can’t today. Just try it. 

3. Running can’t be rigid. I like things a certain way. I am actively working on being more flexible and adaptable. I am trying to let go of expectations. A team relay is the perfect situation to magnify the need to go with the flow. Eat what is within reach because you have to. The run is a little longer than what the guide said so you keep running. I am forced to be the driver instead of sleeping in the back of the van. In the end, all that matters is that I laced up and ran the miles the team needed of me. Perhaps it would be helpful to rely less on what I am used to when I train. 

4. I still love it. The feeling that you get when you nail a long run is not something that I can describe. The feeling that I had after completing this race with friends was even more difficult to express. I have mostly graduated from running races to running for health right now. This race made me remember how much I still love the challenge of running. I may even change my mind on how often I sign up for a race!

If you don't have a race or team relay on your calendar, you can still do plenty of things to reconnect with your running. Make your running more like play - change speeds, break some running rules, run somewhere new, try some new drills. Set a huge goal for yourself and see it through - it doesn't even have to be about a distance or a pace. Enjoy the stride!