This is an update of a 2013 post because it felt like it needed to be said again and maybe a tad bit better.
It’s so easy to take a simple mile for granted.
When you first start running it’s the longest mile on Earth, but soon there after you surpass that milestone and suddenly it’s “just” a mile. It becomes about accumulating more miles or running those miles faster.
I can run for hours on end, so why should 1 little mile ever be cause for celebration…but for me it is on nearly a daily basis. I recognized years ago that I was never going to be the woman consistently on top of the podium or the runner who did the most challenging races…but I was the runner who could find value in 1 mile or 26.2.
WHEN THE RUN SUCKS
Even a runner who does it for the joy has runs that are rough, both physically and mentally. In fact, it’s horribly frustrating when the first mile of a run feels like mile 26 of a race.
Today as that frustration started to appear, I did something different.
I didn’t fight it.
I didn’t get angry.
I stopped and smiled.
I was running.
It didn’t matter how fast, there was no race. It didn’t matter how far, I am not on any training plan at the moment. It simply mattered that I was there.
You might know what happened next if you’ve ever had that epiphany while running…it got easier.
Sometimes we spend so much time trying to PUSH the rock when if we just relaxed a little it would roll all on it’s own. The great thing about running in that mind frame is how much more you see and can take in the world around you!
It allowed me to reflect on how lucky I am to have lived in so many unique running locations. Now, I get the benefit of embracing training at altitude, re-learning cold weather runs and yet I also have the benefit of understanding humidity and heat.
I appreciate all of my runs, but it’s very easy to get in the mindset of feeling like a run needs to be a certain distance or a certain speed to be a “good run”. A run that really counts or that you’d gasp post to social media.
This isn’t an entirely bad thing when you’re focused on a race/goal, but too often we’re supposed to be in recovery mode or we’re so focused on the goal we stop enjoying the many months of training. Right now my body is both adjusting to the altitude and some new health shifts, so now it’s super important to simply enjoy that I’m able to run…then I can start to enjoy pushing myself again for some new exciting goals!
It’s easy when injured to just wish for a single mile and easy after a great race to feel like you should run that way daily. The hard part is finding enjoyment in any mile whether it’s speed work or recovery or hard as hell because you’ve been off for awhile or sick…but you’re there and that is pretty awesome.
The only rule of a GOOD run is the one you GET to do. Perspective provided here Click To TweetAfter I finished and took some time to do my hip stretches (yeah I really practice what I preach). Pausing to reflect again on all the reasons I love running…it gives you time to think, plan, analyze and well remember at least a few things that should be on your to do list!
Thanks for letting me Think Out Loud once again, a great opportunity inspired by the awesome Running With Spoons.
Do you ever feel a run is only “good” if you go at least X miles or run at least X pace?
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Platte River Half Marathon Review: Our First Altitude Race!
fridica
I've been running on and off for a few years now, and even when I'm super consistent with training the first mile is ALWAYS difficult. But that's ok, because by now I am confident that (most of the time) it will get easier after that. I love every single mile (actually in my case kilometer), because I still remember all too vividly the days when running for 90 seconds straight looked impossible. The idea that I can now run for 1 whole kilometer (or even 10 of them in a row) is still mind-blowing to me! One of the main motivators for getting a sports watch was that little 'beep' it makes after every km, it still gives me a smile every time! :)
SuzLyfe
Every run, every step, is a gift. I certainly don't take it for granted: between a few serious injuries and a chronic disease, I don't have the luxury!
My recent post The Biggest DNS: Not Running the Boston Marathon
RunToTheFinish
Nothing like an injury to bring us back to GET to run, not HAVE to :) glad you are on the mend!!!!
Emilie
I absolutely love this! I never trust the first mile. Whether it's a great or terrible first mile, that will not define the rest of my race. Of course, sometimes it's totally discouraging not to be able to run the mileage you planned for, but I ran and that's all that matters. Like you said, when you're injured, all you want, is one mile. I also find that if I give myself a bit of patience, and wait for the second wind to kick in, everything falls into place and that bad first mile is forgotten.
RunToTheFinish
That first mile is such a liar :)
RunToTheFinish
Well said!!! I love hearing that other people still remember how hard it was, I think that gives us a great perspective!
thisrunnersrecipes
Love this so much! Every run is an amazing gift – pace and distance are external metrics which, while valuable, do not determine the quality of a run. I used to get wrapped up in pace and distance, but I am working to shift my perspective to just enjoy the run, the fresh air, the movement. Plus the first mile is never a true indicator on the quality of a run!
My recent post Why I Decided to Track Food During Marathon Training
TaleOfTwoRuns
Thank you :) I needed to read this! Beautiful!
Bianca
Very well said! Every mile counts and is an accomplishment. We should be proud of our accomplishments and never preface them with the word, "just."
Jodi
Oh my gosh….You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this. {or maybe you did ;)} Tears in my eyes as this touched my heart so much. Cannot wait to get running { and yes, even walking again!} Thanks for the reminder that 1 mile is GOOD ENOUGH!!!!!! And for reminding me of WHY I LOVE to run!! Luv ya Coach. Needed this so much!!
My recent post Love Yourself Enough Challenge ~ EXTENDED!!
blondefitfoodie
Thank you so much for sharing this!! As someone who is still fighting off an injury and unable to run at the moment, I totally agree that we should just appreciate what our bodies are able to do, even if it is just one mile!
Amanda @ Running with Spoons
This THIS THIS! This is totally why I don't track my runs and why I think I was able to stick with running for so long after continuously failing at it in the past. I don't have plans to be the fastest runner out there or push my body too hard — all I really want is to be able to run and enjoy myself.. even if it's "just" for a single mile that day ;)
leisonlife
Ahhhmazing post Coach! Yes, that first mile is a big, fat liar and always sucks for me, but once I release that and let it be what it is, the next miles just fall into place. At 47, I am thankful that my body is there for me when I run, holding me up and moving me forward, no matter how fast or for how long!
Kate
yes! so many times I've said to myself, or others, "only 3km. or only 5km" I need to stop doing that! Every kilometre counts (haha, and they're shorter than a mile ;-))
My recent post Half Marathon #2
kristenk
Ugh I'm injured and I would kill to run one pain free mile right now. I used to feel like I had to run fast or run far in order to make it count, but now I'd do anything for one short and slow run! I'm going to appreciate running so much once I can start running again!
My recent post The Tri Newbie Chronicles: Buying Your First Road Bike
Christine Adelaja
Awesome post! I have never thought about running the way you have conveyed it in this post. i often feel that I am racing myself and have not mastered the carefree run. After reading your post I am going to try and practice running from you point of view! Thanks again for a great post,