it's easy when the pace is right.

after reading born to run, i was more determined than ever to start running and enjoy it. earlier this year when i started running with a class at the ymca, my goal was to run straight for 30 minutes without walking. this seemed ridiculous to me...meaning i didn't think i'd be able to accomplish that goal in a million years.

but the words of caballo blanco rang in my ears last week as i determined to quit doing interval training and just run. "focus on easy first. if that's all you get, that ain't half bad."

before last week, when i would set out on a run, my side and shoulder would start aching so badly i couldn't hardly stand it. i would push through the pain, but those areas would often hurt for quite a while making my run very unenjoyable. last week when i ran with a friend, those pains didn't come. i thought maybe i was more relaxed with us chatting away and not setting such a fast pace to start off with.

so the next time i ran, i ditched my interval app, and focused on "easy." for me that meant not running so fast. if i was breathing too hard, i slowed down. yes, my pace is snail-like even though i'm technically running. but that was it! that was the golden ticket. at a slower speed and with a "barefoot technique"my body didn't ache, my knees didn't hurt, and i ran for 30 minutes straight without stopping or walking...something i've never done in my entire life!

dare i relate the importance of pace in running to the importance of pace in life? for the last couple of years, i have figuratively been breathing too hard and have had a terrible pain in my side. recently i've slowed my pace in several areas of my life. guess what? it's been "easy". i've been calmer, more at peace, and enjoying my life and days. that doesn't mean there aren't times i want to quit or there aren't difficulties to face. but when i hit those "walls," i slow down, refocus, check my "technique," and get back to easy.

we often think we can't control the pace of our lives, but that's simply not true. we don't have to do anything! (not recommending that approach to life!) i've been thinking for so long that i have to do this or have to do that, but once i let those things go, i realized the world does not revolve around me and it will not stop turning if i let a few things go. aaahhhh...sigh of relief!

set your own pace.

Comments

[lucyrose]

...this is beautiful, Sarah...thank you!...
This should be in a magazine article in a place where many folks could read it...it could bring much peace...!

[Sarah Jane]

Thanks, Lucy Rose. You are too kind!

[Evie]

Amen sister!