With Spring comes change and with change comes a new perspective. I am not sure if something tangible has changed in my life but I definitely feel like I am at some sort of crossroad. There has been a sense of needing something different in my life. For almost a year, I have focused on running, mileage, setting PR's and finishing strong. But I think my legs and knees need a break and its about time I listen. I have been saying for about a month how badly I have needed a break from work. From the everyday stress that it brings and the toll it takes on my mind and body. So why does a break from work make so much sense while a break from running seems so wrong... Running is work too! Damn hard work so it only makes sense that it would be time to slow down. I look at other runners and I don't "see" them taking a break or getting injured so I tend to think, I should be able to keep on truckin along as well. However that kind of thinking is getting me into a little trouble. Getting caught up comparing myself to others can be an evil trap and its time to climb out of it. My body is telling me to take a little time to recuperate from all the runs-all the pavement pounding. So I will do just that. I know I have written about taking a break before but with my knee still not feeling 100%, I had to make a decision - either keep putting pressure on it and possibly seriously injuring myself and never being able to do the thing I love, or take a break, rest and recover so that I can run again...
The Broad Street Run is one week away so after that 10 mile venture with my husband, I am hanging up the sneakers for a bit. I am not sure how long but it has to be a substantial amount of time. I will of course exercise in other ways. I have discovered P90x and now that its nice outside, its all about cruising on my bike. Change is needed and perhaps these new ways of livening up the endorphins will also change my perspective on physical activity in general.
Change doesn't have to be bad. Sometimes it is scary because it is not what we are used to but usually it ends up being ok, sometimes even better than before the change. I am ready for something new and its all about my choices. I can choose to hurt myself or help myself. Seems pretty simple to me!
Happy Spring
