At 5:30 on a Tuesday morning, cold and dark, and I was in a high school parking lot, nervously stepping from foot to foot. A few weeks before, I reached out to a runner friend to ask about the run club she’s a part of, and today is the day I finally didn’t talk myself out of joining.
YES YES YES YES to all of this!! I’m so proud of you for just moving and flowing past the uncomfortable bits!
But the coach highlights something important... we’ve all had moments where we’re afraid to share something “embarrassing.” But to be met with complete acceptance, as if what we are saying is normal, because it is, is everything!!!! I’m trying to be more and more like that for others 🤍🤍🤍
I agree--running for me was a way to think, center down into myself, come up with great ideas--many of which I forgot before the end of the run! It was always a solitary thing for me, not social at all. John and I trained doing fartleks many times--can be brutal, but such accomplishment when done. I always ran first thing in the morning also, before everything, no options, just put on the shoes and go out. The fact that you put one foot in front of the other is enough, all the rest is gravy!! Be proud of yourself always.
Oh Barbie! I love this! It's exactly how I feel about running. Did you and John used to run marathons or did I imagine that? I think I remember you and the other barn ladies talking about it.
I can’t remember how I found your substack but I’m an SB runner too, and I ran with this group in the fall. I was so intimidated! But my times dropped and I loved the challenge to get in shape for the SB Half. Now I’m back on the treadmill because I guess I’m afraid of the cold 6am hour. 😏
Emily I LOVE that you run first thing. Thank you for doing that and thank you for telling us about it. I feel like we all need permission to front-load what makes us happy, and trust that prioritizing our joyfulness will lift everyone around us up. Run on!
YES YES YES YES to all of this!! I’m so proud of you for just moving and flowing past the uncomfortable bits!
But the coach highlights something important... we’ve all had moments where we’re afraid to share something “embarrassing.” But to be met with complete acceptance, as if what we are saying is normal, because it is, is everything!!!! I’m trying to be more and more like that for others 🤍🤍🤍
Oh I love this take because I'm still in my head about it! Also, you ARE totally that for other people!
I agree--running for me was a way to think, center down into myself, come up with great ideas--many of which I forgot before the end of the run! It was always a solitary thing for me, not social at all. John and I trained doing fartleks many times--can be brutal, but such accomplishment when done. I always ran first thing in the morning also, before everything, no options, just put on the shoes and go out. The fact that you put one foot in front of the other is enough, all the rest is gravy!! Be proud of yourself always.
Oh Barbie! I love this! It's exactly how I feel about running. Did you and John used to run marathons or did I imagine that? I think I remember you and the other barn ladies talking about it.
John ran several marathons including his dream Boston. I did a half marathon and we did quite a few 5 8 and 10ks. We enjoyed it.
I can’t remember how I found your substack but I’m an SB runner too, and I ran with this group in the fall. I was so intimidated! But my times dropped and I loved the challenge to get in shape for the SB Half. Now I’m back on the treadmill because I guess I’m afraid of the cold 6am hour. 😏
Oh cool!! I've been looking to connect with other SB Substackers! and yes it is exactly as cold as you think it is at that hour ;)
Emily I LOVE that you run first thing. Thank you for doing that and thank you for telling us about it. I feel like we all need permission to front-load what makes us happy, and trust that prioritizing our joyfulness will lift everyone around us up. Run on!
Thank you Isabel! I love the idea of front-loading what matters!
I’m with you on the needing to run/workout before moving on to the rest of my day! I’m a much happier/much more relaxed person after a workout.
I’m not good at planning my runs - which means I’m typically a solo runner these days…but always up for a running partner if you ever want!
I would LOVE that!!! We are battling the Covid monster this week, but I am up for it next week!