Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dreaming of Running

  There are a lot of activities that I'm interested in pursuing, now that I'm getting healthier and stronger.  Bike riding, playing tennis and kayaking (or actually, learning how to kayak) are at the top of the list.  And although I know several runners, all of whom are intensely passionate about it, I don't find it all that appealing.  Don't get me wrong, I can definitely see myself doing a 5 or 10k at some point, once I can, just because I can.  And maybe occasionally afterward for charity.  But as a regular activity?  I don't see it.  Of course, you never know.  That's what my husband once said, and now he's a running maniac!

   But lately I've been dreaming about running.  Not the sad little half walk-half shuffle thing I can do for VERY short bursts right now.  Actual, long stride, high knee athletic running.  In the dreams it's always accompanied by a feeling of "Hey, look what I can do!", and a feeling that's a cross between bouncing and flying.  I don't know what it feels like in real life, but if it's anything like it is in my dreams, I can see why people get hooked.
  
   These dreams are relatively new, but they come fairly often.  And like all good dreams, all real-life limitations have vanished.  My legs don't feel like lead, my knees and back don't hurt, and I have boundless energy.  This past year has been pretty interesting and exciting, as my energy increases and I'm able to do more things for longer periods of time.  The marathon sessions of yard work over the last few days (yes it's finally finished!) wouldn't have been possible just 2 years ago.  And even last year, it would have taken me longer to finish and would have required more recovery time.

   So for now, I'll still try to sometimes squeeze in a little of that shuffle-walk thing when I'm out in the park, knowing that as more time passes, my dreams of running get closer to reality.

3 comments:

  1. Trying to recreate the comment I just typed out and then it vanished. Poof.

    Anyway, wow. I smiled from ear to ear when I read this post...and then read it again just to make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me!

    The fact that you are even thinking or dreaming of running....well, what a change. I have to tell you I remember a time when I used to go walking in the cementary (yes, I was a cemetary walker). It was peaceful and quiet. Anyway, I used to enjoy walking there when I was stressed with work, family, or the world (right after 9/11). I remember walking faster than I used to and not getting that pressure in my chest that I used to when I would walk. I remember having the feeling like I wanted to run, right on the edge of taking that last step to just burst into a run, but still having that feeling that I could never be a runner, that my body wouldn't cooperate, that I would never be the type of person that would enjoy running, or any other type of exercise like that. I didn't run those days but I still remember so clearly that feeling, like I wanted to do it, but something was holding me back.

    Then one morning who knows how long later, it happened. I got up one morning and those feelings had changed. I got out of bed having the desire to challenge myself to run a mile, and that's what I did, I went out and tried it, and did it.

    Now, I'm not suggesting that everyone should love running the way I do or your hubby, but the fact that are thinking of it, dreaming of it, what I get out of that is that you are ready for SOMETHING SO MUCH more, whether it be running, kayaking, tennis, tai chi...the possibilities are really endless.

    You have changed so much, it is amazing and so powerful to watch it happening. I am proud to have you as a friend and to be witnessing this wonderful, beautiful transformation!

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  2. P.S. If and when you do run that 5K or 10K, I would LOVE to run it with you, if you wouldn't mind. :)

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  3. I luv this post Kim! Inspiring that Dave is a WW Lifetime member a year! Today was the first day on the treadmill for me, I've been an eliptical girl four times a week for seven months. The trainer at the Rec Ctr suggested I mix it up more. I thought the walking was so boring and I didn't know what to do with my arms. The circuit changes he made clearly are working; I can't lift my arms and they are constantly shaking. Challenge yourself is his mantra; look for "the face"; that says you're challenging yourself enough. I did have those very thoughts; of just breaking into a run to keep up with the 80's music that makes this 43 year old feel like she's back in HS. I look at my reflection and think . . wow, look at me! :)

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