March 2010 | Momshomerun

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Runner without a cause

I keep reading these blogs of runners preparing themselves for marathons. And by way of preparation for those magical 26.2 miles, they prepare themselves for 5k's, 10k's and so on. Clearly, these are runners with a cause, and I can't help but admire them for their determination and planning ability.

But they also make me question my own cause. Why do I run? What gets me out the door four times a week? Am I a runner without a cause?

I've been trying to find an answer to this question. My cause is not clearcut, and it can't be measured in miles or minutes. I suppose my cause as a runner is to find myself out there. Somewhere along the roads I run on.

Thát's what gets me out the door.

And that's my cause.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I wanna run faster, but live more slowly

Wordless Wednesday

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Did you flun today?

According to estimations there are about 600.000 'flunners' running about in England. These runners don't just run for the joy of running, but to let their eyes wander!

I'm having a hard time imagining flirting during a run. Usually my face is contorted into a painful grimace, my head is tomato red, and I'm glistening with sweat. How do these 'flunners' do it? Are they such experienced runners they can easily multitask, thus combining running and flirting effortlessly? Or do they run really slow to remain attractive?

Are you a flunner?
Would you look kindly upon a fellow runner flunning with you?

Thursday, March 11, 2010

When running hurts

Running is well known for its wide range of aches and pains. But running shouldn't hurt! And if it does, there's obviously a lesson to be learned.

For instance: does your back hurt during a run? Good chance you're bending at the waist when you land, instead of keeping your posture proud and high. Use those tummy muscles to stay upright, and there you go: no more achy back.*

Running is like breastfeeding in this respect. After that one moment, when your baby attacks your breast like there's no tomorrow, breastfeeding shouldn't hurt. If it does, your technique could use some improvements.

Unfortunately the same principle does not apply to life in general. When life hurts, it's not a matter of improving your technique. Shit just happens.

Motherhood is a bit in between: it can be painful, but sometimes an adjustment in technique can help. I used to tear my hair out in desperation during the mornings, trying to get the kids to school. I managed to reduce my stress levels by making sure everything was in place before I went to bed. Now I get out of bed and I'm all Zen and everything. No pain and lots of gain.

Luckily running can ease the pain of living and motherhood. As you run your way across our beautiful planet, your pain takes a backseat, and you feel part of something bigger.

So when life and motherhood kick you in the butt, and hurt like hell: go for a run.

And when running hurts: just improve your technique!

* You can find more info about running without pain in Danny Dreyer's book ChiRunning!