Took a year off running after the Great Paralysis Mystery of 2022. Still have weakness and nerve issues, but I restarted a running practice back in October, and the legs have agreed to do their best. 🤷🏽♀️ Last weekend their best was to finish a half marathon with 9 miles of “oh yes, now I remember: this is how it feels to RUN!” and a little over 4 of “maybe the next medical tent has something that will ease the cramps?” I call it a success because I didn’t expect the 9 to be as fantastic or as long—and we finished the thing, after all. 🥳 Plus, it was such a joy to participate in the throng of a community event that literally filled our little streets with runners of all ages and abilities, as far as the eye could see 🥰
The running industry does thoughtful recreational runners no favors with the constant reminder that our ‘goal’ activity is a RACE, with timing chips that measure to digits we cannot imagine, insisting that we ‘compete’ with strangers who are younger (my 82-yr-old mom hates being beaten by 80-year-olds) or less damaged or (if we are honest) just better trained. Being and staying mindful of one’s personal goals (“keep lifting the right foot even when the nerves say ‘I don’t see a foot on that side’ “) is challenging enough without having to move over for kids who are blithely finishing a full marathon before I can finish a half.
Still, when I am not running I miss the trees, the birdsong, the fuzzy baby ducks, the smell of neighbors’ flower gardens. I could walk, but somehow the exertion of a ‘run’ makes it all so much sweeter.
This has inspired and motivated me in so many ways. Truly listening to our bodies, I believe, is a faster way to heal. Thanks so much for this insightful article😊
Just purchased “The Examined Run”. I wonder how Sabrina would respond to your question? I for one value how much better I feel and act when I run, that I always make “returning to health as quickly as possible” the highest priority. Patience has never been my strong suit but as I age, healing takes longer, so injuries are teaching me patience. An unexpected consequence of getting older. And a virtue that has been out of reach for too long. It is amazing the lessons we learn if we really, really listen to our bodies which for some reasons our egos tend to discourage. The fork in the road beckons us to take the well trodden path but how has that worked out? Business as usual might work for the Fossil Fuel Industry but I respectfully submit not for us. Time to think and act differently.
We ignore his words borne of experience at our own peril. Although I strongly believe we must “find our own way” it is fabulous to have a few good road signs on the way. And just like GPS can err, we must ultimately reclaim our own sovereignty and “win our own way”.
It's a super interesting subject to ponder---what I like is tying (as the excerpt suggests) the "spiritual" component into the physical and then taking that metaphor a little further. If I wanted to evolve "spiritually" I probably would NOT put on a hair shirt and flog myself daily. There are probably easier ways to get there--similarly, If my body really doesn't do well with X physical activity and I keep trying to do X with disastrous results--that might be the athletic equivalent of wearing a hair shirt. I remember when I walked the 500 miles on the Camino thinking "I really should be running a major part of it." (Well, that was nonsense, as I went into the thing recovering from a back injury.) And so....I've learned to be more flexible and forgiving--I can still be an athlete--but it may need to manifest itself in a slightly different way.
I just ordered the book! Losing the physical stamina is one thing, losing the mental toughness to fight back is a bigger beast. After battling injury for almost a year I will be fighting with you.
Ahh I feel you, off from running the past few weeks have tested my patience immensely~ Constantly need to remind myself recovery is worth it in the long term 🙌
So well put. My husband thought something was wrong with me as I sat in front of the computer staring into nothing, pondering this week's read. These were my thoughts as I read this week's piece. This year I found someone to run with who is a better runner than I and found myself running qite a bit faster...I was so excited! Then I got a not very bad case of "the Vid" and almost a month later I can barely get a mile in, too tired. Running has become a stressful event because I have not allowed myself to heal, I guess. I feel I should be over illness and better and back to where I was. But deep in my spirit, I know that I need to give myself more rest, more time, maybe just walk right now and enjoy it, maybe just run 1 mile. I put the pressure and guilt on myself when I tell my new running partner, I'm not running today. Getting the mind in tune with the body is not easy for me. But honestly when I listen to that still, small voice, He never leads me astray. thanks Terrell for the thought provoking piece.
GM Terrell -- Yes. I fractured the humorous in my right arm late April last year and was in therapy for 2 month until the end of July. Still do my exercises every morning. Still can't swing a golf club but I can run. Ended up reading "Out and Back" by Hillary Allen. Glad you are healing and able to run again. Some of my friends and I who do the Delaware and Raritan Park Run on a regular basis will be running the E. Todd Murray Half marathon this coming Sunday - yeah and we lose an hour sleep.
Thoreau is one of my favorites and this article is so timely for me. In December, out of the blue, I was diagnosed with cancer it really came as quite a shock. I had surgery in January and just in the last two weeks have been able to go out side and walk. I have worked myself up to 4 to 5 miles a day and it has done wonders for my mental wellbeing. I was running about 25 miles a week prior to my diagnosis. The good news is my prognosis is good. I am not so sure how the radiation treatments will affect me but I am happy to stay on the walking fork in the road until I can meet up with the running fork!
Thank you so much for sharing this article, I think I need to revisit George Sheehan’s book as well! Keeping a positive mind calms the spirit and helps the body heal.
Great article, brought back reminders. Running has definitely taught me a lot
Listening to my body not just physically but also emotionally. If I notice life's ups and downs getting to me more than normal, it tells me I have been slacking in my fitness 1 or 2 days or more. I get back in my fitness routine and it definitely improves my emotional well being.
Secondly, what I have learned over the years from fitness rehabs. Is to add it to my fitness pre-habs. It makes for a happy runner.
Thank for this Terrell! I’ve been treating a heel spur for over two months now and haven’t run since about new year’s. This forced break has shown me that I used to take running for granted when actually it is deeply important to me, for so many reasons. In the throes of some family issues I’m realizing what a huge part of my stress management running usually is. I’m grateful my running buddies are sometimes willing to just walk instead - the social aspect of running with them is really important to me (and we find ways to make it work even when we’re in different situations - walk warm-up together then whoever is running will take off and later loop back to the walkers).
I’m slowly starting to feel better, though my physiotherapist isn’t ready to put a timeline on when I might be able to start running again, but I know I’ll get there. I’ve started working on strength training, something I always knew I needed more of. And I paddle on a dragon boat team and the season is about to begin. So I’m still being active in the meantime, and letting my foot take the time it needs.
Thanks for sharing the Sheehan quotation. Certainly Thoreau's walking practice gave him a fuller life. Alas it did not keep him alive as he died fairly young. We are the beneficiaries of 21st century medicine to help extend our lives. My main quibble with Sheehan is his emphasis on the male; what does he have to say about women and their bodies?
I read the book a few years ago and I think it's high time for a re-read. I think we get a different perspective when we read the same thing at different stages of our life, injuries, etc.
Ah, a book I definitely need to read and kind of seems to answer the why I have taken to running so much. I loved in fear of running because I worried about the pain and difficulty and making the time. I actually found it not painful - I have previously broken my ankle and kneecap and recovered from a slipped disc - so the fear of pain was in some way justified. But now I find myself regaining much of my energy and enthusiasm for life and in turn the desire to improve my life through a stronger connection to my faith. It’s interesting reading these posts and finding some much I can relate to in them so thank you so much for sharing.
Took a year off running after the Great Paralysis Mystery of 2022. Still have weakness and nerve issues, but I restarted a running practice back in October, and the legs have agreed to do their best. 🤷🏽♀️ Last weekend their best was to finish a half marathon with 9 miles of “oh yes, now I remember: this is how it feels to RUN!” and a little over 4 of “maybe the next medical tent has something that will ease the cramps?” I call it a success because I didn’t expect the 9 to be as fantastic or as long—and we finished the thing, after all. 🥳 Plus, it was such a joy to participate in the throng of a community event that literally filled our little streets with runners of all ages and abilities, as far as the eye could see 🥰
The running industry does thoughtful recreational runners no favors with the constant reminder that our ‘goal’ activity is a RACE, with timing chips that measure to digits we cannot imagine, insisting that we ‘compete’ with strangers who are younger (my 82-yr-old mom hates being beaten by 80-year-olds) or less damaged or (if we are honest) just better trained. Being and staying mindful of one’s personal goals (“keep lifting the right foot even when the nerves say ‘I don’t see a foot on that side’ “) is challenging enough without having to move over for kids who are blithely finishing a full marathon before I can finish a half.
Still, when I am not running I miss the trees, the birdsong, the fuzzy baby ducks, the smell of neighbors’ flower gardens. I could walk, but somehow the exertion of a ‘run’ makes it all so much sweeter.
This has inspired and motivated me in so many ways. Truly listening to our bodies, I believe, is a faster way to heal. Thanks so much for this insightful article😊
Just purchased “The Examined Run”. I wonder how Sabrina would respond to your question? I for one value how much better I feel and act when I run, that I always make “returning to health as quickly as possible” the highest priority. Patience has never been my strong suit but as I age, healing takes longer, so injuries are teaching me patience. An unexpected consequence of getting older. And a virtue that has been out of reach for too long. It is amazing the lessons we learn if we really, really listen to our bodies which for some reasons our egos tend to discourage. The fork in the road beckons us to take the well trodden path but how has that worked out? Business as usual might work for the Fossil Fuel Industry but I respectfully submit not for us. Time to think and act differently.
Sheehan is inspirational and aspirational…
We ignore his words borne of experience at our own peril. Although I strongly believe we must “find our own way” it is fabulous to have a few good road signs on the way. And just like GPS can err, we must ultimately reclaim our own sovereignty and “win our own way”.
It's a super interesting subject to ponder---what I like is tying (as the excerpt suggests) the "spiritual" component into the physical and then taking that metaphor a little further. If I wanted to evolve "spiritually" I probably would NOT put on a hair shirt and flog myself daily. There are probably easier ways to get there--similarly, If my body really doesn't do well with X physical activity and I keep trying to do X with disastrous results--that might be the athletic equivalent of wearing a hair shirt. I remember when I walked the 500 miles on the Camino thinking "I really should be running a major part of it." (Well, that was nonsense, as I went into the thing recovering from a back injury.) And so....I've learned to be more flexible and forgiving--I can still be an athlete--but it may need to manifest itself in a slightly different way.
I just ordered the book! Losing the physical stamina is one thing, losing the mental toughness to fight back is a bigger beast. After battling injury for almost a year I will be fighting with you.
Love that passage; thank you for sharing. I've never read this book...but thanks to Amazon delivery it is now on the way! 😊
Good luck with your ongoing "recovery", and no rush. Enjoy the re-building process, one step at a time.
Ahh I feel you, off from running the past few weeks have tested my patience immensely~ Constantly need to remind myself recovery is worth it in the long term 🙌
So well put. My husband thought something was wrong with me as I sat in front of the computer staring into nothing, pondering this week's read. These were my thoughts as I read this week's piece. This year I found someone to run with who is a better runner than I and found myself running qite a bit faster...I was so excited! Then I got a not very bad case of "the Vid" and almost a month later I can barely get a mile in, too tired. Running has become a stressful event because I have not allowed myself to heal, I guess. I feel I should be over illness and better and back to where I was. But deep in my spirit, I know that I need to give myself more rest, more time, maybe just walk right now and enjoy it, maybe just run 1 mile. I put the pressure and guilt on myself when I tell my new running partner, I'm not running today. Getting the mind in tune with the body is not easy for me. But honestly when I listen to that still, small voice, He never leads me astray. thanks Terrell for the thought provoking piece.
GM Terrell -- Yes. I fractured the humorous in my right arm late April last year and was in therapy for 2 month until the end of July. Still do my exercises every morning. Still can't swing a golf club but I can run. Ended up reading "Out and Back" by Hillary Allen. Glad you are healing and able to run again. Some of my friends and I who do the Delaware and Raritan Park Run on a regular basis will be running the E. Todd Murray Half marathon this coming Sunday - yeah and we lose an hour sleep.
Thoreau is one of my favorites and this article is so timely for me. In December, out of the blue, I was diagnosed with cancer it really came as quite a shock. I had surgery in January and just in the last two weeks have been able to go out side and walk. I have worked myself up to 4 to 5 miles a day and it has done wonders for my mental wellbeing. I was running about 25 miles a week prior to my diagnosis. The good news is my prognosis is good. I am not so sure how the radiation treatments will affect me but I am happy to stay on the walking fork in the road until I can meet up with the running fork!
Thank you so much for sharing this article, I think I need to revisit George Sheehan’s book as well! Keeping a positive mind calms the spirit and helps the body heal.
Great article, brought back reminders. Running has definitely taught me a lot
Listening to my body not just physically but also emotionally. If I notice life's ups and downs getting to me more than normal, it tells me I have been slacking in my fitness 1 or 2 days or more. I get back in my fitness routine and it definitely improves my emotional well being.
Secondly, what I have learned over the years from fitness rehabs. Is to add it to my fitness pre-habs. It makes for a happy runner.
Thank for this Terrell! I’ve been treating a heel spur for over two months now and haven’t run since about new year’s. This forced break has shown me that I used to take running for granted when actually it is deeply important to me, for so many reasons. In the throes of some family issues I’m realizing what a huge part of my stress management running usually is. I’m grateful my running buddies are sometimes willing to just walk instead - the social aspect of running with them is really important to me (and we find ways to make it work even when we’re in different situations - walk warm-up together then whoever is running will take off and later loop back to the walkers).
I’m slowly starting to feel better, though my physiotherapist isn’t ready to put a timeline on when I might be able to start running again, but I know I’ll get there. I’ve started working on strength training, something I always knew I needed more of. And I paddle on a dragon boat team and the season is about to begin. So I’m still being active in the meantime, and letting my foot take the time it needs.
Thanks for sharing the Sheehan quotation. Certainly Thoreau's walking practice gave him a fuller life. Alas it did not keep him alive as he died fairly young. We are the beneficiaries of 21st century medicine to help extend our lives. My main quibble with Sheehan is his emphasis on the male; what does he have to say about women and their bodies?
I read the book a few years ago and I think it's high time for a re-read. I think we get a different perspective when we read the same thing at different stages of our life, injuries, etc.
Ah, a book I definitely need to read and kind of seems to answer the why I have taken to running so much. I loved in fear of running because I worried about the pain and difficulty and making the time. I actually found it not painful - I have previously broken my ankle and kneecap and recovered from a slipped disc - so the fear of pain was in some way justified. But now I find myself regaining much of my energy and enthusiasm for life and in turn the desire to improve my life through a stronger connection to my faith. It’s interesting reading these posts and finding some much I can relate to in them so thank you so much for sharing.