Several years ago I went to a weekend long retreat called Walk to Emmaus. I didn't want to go because I was sick (bronchitis) and on a bunch of meds. Also I didn't want to leave my husband for the weekend because I worry about him because of the MS. I was worried something would happen to him and I wouldn't be there with him and our daughter. She was still in elementary school at the time. I was upset and not feeling well but I went anyway. I had a note in my room, probably from my roommate that said "I run to keep the stress down." So I thought about that for a while.
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| source on the bottom of pic |
Last winter, I had been on Weight Watchers for about 5 months and decided that I wanted to run a 5k. I had one in mind. I wanted to go to the January 2016 Disney Marathon with my cousins who have been going to this for years in support of our friend Jen. She was my suite mate in college and worked with my cousin in a hospital. They have supported Run for Our Sons on Team Danny. My cousins run a half marathon but I was looking at a the 5k. I shared this goal with my husband and then my cousins at Christmas last year.
The weather in Northeast Ohio wasn't cooperative until later in March. So I read articles about running, pinned running stuff on pintrest, and bought running shoes. Then I bought the couch to 5k book and app for my iPhone. I was running and using the app. I was doing well until my left knee started hurting. My doctor called it runner's knee and said I needed different running shoes. Then I found a great store called Second Sole and bought expensive sneakers. Great store and they were very helpful. I continued running until July. Then I had to go and find myself a part time job in a grocery store. I couldn't run after standing for my shift except for my 15 minute break.
I was able to start running again in October but it wasn't going well and end up walking more than running. I skipped lots of days. I was worrying about the Disney 5k. I had also signed with my friends to do a Santa Run in my town. I figured this would help me get ready for the Disney one.
The Santa Run is Sunday. I have been running regularly and walking some of the days I don't run for the last 2 weeks. I'll let you know how it goes next week.
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| My house in the winter |
As far a the stress, running does seem to help a lot. It has helped me lose weight. I enjoy being outside when I am running. I have learned to stretch and I like that as well. I'm not sure what I am going to do when the snow comes and doesn't leave for months. Where should I run in the snow? What type of exercise do you like? Does it relieve stress? Is it fun? Keep searching for Inklings of Joy!
