It's been almost 3 years since I last ran - and I had a baby in that time. So to say I was out of practice would be an understatement. BIG understatement.
But I really wanted to get fit again, and I did used to love running. The fact that it costs nothing (as opposed to the extortionate gym fees here) and that I live opposite the largest park in Toronto with miles and miles of trails (and bordering the lake too) meant I had no excuse. It was time. And now, after about 6 weeks of getting up and out for 6:30am, I can run those hilly, forest trails for over 30 minutes without stopping. I can even manage a big hill or too.
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| CN tower as seen from the Islands |
Despite this rediscovered love of running, I still find it tough to get up and out most mornings. It takes sheer bloody-mindedness and lots of pep talks (beginning the night before). I love the early mornings, but I am not naturally a morning person. What has really helped is that I now have a running partner, Hazel, who is better than I am, and every bit as determined to run more often and further. So together we have been pounding the trails. My other strategy has been reading everything on running that I can get my hands on - specifically stories of Ultra Marathoners. My favourite so far have been "Running for my life" by Ray Zahab, a Canadian who has run the length of the Sahara, 160k through the Amazon, 160k dragging a sled through the Yukon (Arctic territory!) and many other such endurance races, as well. And "Born to run" about the Legendary Tarahumara tribe in Mexico's Barranca del Cobre who can run for 2 days straight! Now, I'm under no illusion that this is something I want to do, but the stories of people accomplishing such amazing feats and pushing beyond their comfort zones is what I find motivating. Even if it is only motivating me to run an extra mile or an extra ten minutes rather than 100k!
Wish me luck!
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