Have you ever had a hobby or activity that you love and let it get away for a while?
And a lot of time goes by and you start to wonder if you’ll ever get back into it?
That’s sort of what happened to me with running races.
In 2009, I got hooked on races running two 10k’s, a 10-miler, 3 half-marathons, and a beginner’s triathlon, all within about a year and a half. To say I was hooked on racing was an understatement. I loved the thrill of pushing my body, overcoming mental hurdles, and seeing my time improve. My last race was the Oakville Labour Day 10k and I managed to finish 3rd place in my division with a time of 49:50. It was a great race to end the season.
Despite my love for racing, I shifted gears in 2011 in favour of other activities. I fell in love with hot yoga and rekindled my love for Body Pump and spinning, after Ange gave me a discounted gym membership for the year. I used to be a gym rat back in university, so it was fun to get back into some of my favourite classes.
In 2012, I decided not to renew my gym membership, so I’ve been alternating at-home Booty Camp Fitness strength workouts with running outdoors. Because our winter has been so mild and free of much snow, I’ve been able to enjoy running outdoors several times a week. At first, adjusting to running during winter was difficult for me (it’s harder to breathe!), but now I find that I crave getting outside as much as I can, as long as I bundle up properly. I just don’t leave the house without the most crucial piece of winter running equipment- a few tissues! Having to blow your nose is a great excuse to take a walking break, right?
As you can see, my activities have been all over the place over the past couple years! I used to think that I had to juggle everything I love to do all at once, but I’ve since realized that it’s totally normal for passions and interests to change over time and for our focus to shift. I don’t need to do it all at once and it’s ok if I don’t have the “perfect” balance, whatever that means.
After discovering a love for climbing in Arizona, I found myself playing around with the idea of getting back into running races. It took getting to the top and bottom of a steep, rocky mountain for me to realize how much I’ve missed the feeling of accomplishment when it’s all over. It also made me realize how much I thrive on challenges, physical and mental. As an added bonus, these accomplishments also have a positive impact on my anxiety.
I caught myself thinking, I don’t think I can race this year. I just have too much on my plate…. How am I going to race if I can’t even find the time to _____ right now?
That’s when I realized that being busy is exactly the reason to get back into a long lost activity. We’re all busy. We all have obligations. Life just gets busier and busier with each passing year. Whether it’s racing, volleyball, dance, biking, the gym, or yoga, so many of us (and I think women, especially) let our passions fall to the wayside in favour of work and home obligations. Obviously, life happens and exercise gets put on the back burner at times (I’ve skipped many workouts over the past few months!), but that doesn’t mean I have to give up on a passion all together.
This isn’t to say that I’m going to bite off more than I can chew. I’m going to try to be realistic with the time I will have to race. I’m going to start with shorter 5k or 10k races, that require little training other than the running I’ve already been doing. I’m not trying to achieve a certain time goal right now or win the race (ok maybe I am, bahah). I just want to allow myself the opportunity to get back into something I love. That is definitely attainable.
On that note, I’m excited to let you know that I’ve signed up for three races over the next few months:
1) Sunday Feb 12 (in 2 days!): The Valentine’s Day Couples & Singles 5k, Burlington, ON (I’m going as a SINGLE, anyone want to be my hot date?)
2) Sunday March 4th: Chilly Half Marathon and Frosty 5k, Burlington, ON (I’m doing the 5k)
3) Sunday April 22: Toronto Yonge Street 10k, Toronto, ON
I’m looking for buddies…so let me know if you want to join me!
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Is there an activity or hobby that you are thinking of starting up again? Or a totally new-to-you activity that you’ve been thinking of trying out?
Congrats on indulging the running bug again, Angela! I can’t wait to read about your training plan & race prep, since I’m supposed to be in half-marathon mode but am a total newbie! =)
Good for you! My relationship with running waxes and wanes as well, but I still find there is no better release when life gets busy. There’s just something freeing about it.
Best of luck on the races!
All those races sound so fun! I love doing races on holidays…a valentines themed one would be awesome! I definitely want to sign up for some races this year. I haven’t raced since I left my XC team and I am really craving some good competition!
Love this post – it’s very inspiring! Thanks Angela!
I had a baby last month and getting back into racing has been my motivation for exercising post pregnancy. It’s been almost 5 years and I’m so excited to get back into it! Good luck in your races.:-)
I’m not necessarily a runner, but I like it. All those pictures make me want to get into it more! Looks like you’re having fun! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Good for you, getting back in the swing of things! I just took up running a few weeks ago (after years of absolutely hating everything about it) and I am totally in love. In fact, I’ve signed up for my first 5K in July! And just as a general life rule right now, I’m trying to make more time for any and everything that keeps me happy–painting, working out, playing piano, spending more time with family and friends. It’s amazing what a difference it makes!
Yay! That’s great! I’m sure you’ll do wonderful in the races. We all need to shake it up from time to time but it’s nice to go back to those tried and true things as well!
I would REALLY love to kayak this year. We’re thinking of buying our own but working out the logistics of storage and roof racks. I’m tired of saying “one day” on some things and as soon as my weight is appropriate, I’ll be ziplining for sure! Really hoping for that this year!
I just signed up for a running group that will be training for the Portland Marathon in October! Ick!! Exciting, but scary! :)
how fun!! Good for you girl :)
Good for you, Angela! I bet you’ll have lots of fun in those races. I too dropped off from running for a bit to let my body heal from a couple of injuries. I just picked it up this week, running 1-2 km every second day and I loved it! I’m taking off to India in a couple of days, when when I return, I hope to register for a couple of races and really get back into the game!
I compete for my University for cross county and nordic skiing, but this is my last year.. I’m actually looking forward to not having the pressure of college competition for skiing next year since I think it makes me put too much pressure on myself and takes away from my love of the sport itself. I cant wait to just go for long ski’s in the woods without having “training” in the back of my mind. Congrats for getting back into racing!! Taking the time for yourself to get back into it is always satisfying, even when you feel overwhelmingly busy. I feel like nothing eases the mind more than pushing yourself through a race and the endorphin rush that follows :)
what kind of camelback do you use and is it comfortable?? I’ve never tried running with one but I’d like to train for a marathon this summer and I think it would definitely come in handy!!
im not sure what model it is, but I love it. The only annoying part is that it’s hard to keep clean. I think I bought the smallest model available.
This post really couldn’t have come at better time for me. I woke up this morning thinking about how I used to dedicated myself running for hours training for a half marathon and now I can’t find time to do 20 minutes of yoga in my bedroom! I think sometimes we just need to add that extra kick of motivation (like we get from training for a race) to get our priorities reorganized. Thanks for an inspiring post!
One of my girlfriends asked me to run the Yonge Street 10K with her…I haven’t run a 10K in almost 2 years… I fell out of love with running and was really into Turbo Jam for a while. But like you, I’ve really been enjoying this mild winter for running (in Oakville). Anyway, here’s hoping for a successful 10K. I will keep my eye out for you at the race :) Good luck on Sunday!
Have so much fun running!!! Unfortunately I live too far away to run with you (Chicago). I’ve just starting training this week for a 1/2 Marathon in Nashville, TN (4/28) and forgot just how much I enjoy running too!
That’s great that you signed yourself up for some races. That totally gives you a goal to get mentally and physically ready for. I am running the Chilly half for the first time this year. I had a baby 9 months ago and have done a couple races in the past few months to rekindle my love of running and racing too. I’m a bit scared for the half though as its been a few years since running a half…not to mention the potential weather factor!! Yikes.
Ever think of doing the Zoo 10km? I think it’s in October? I hear it’s great…wanna sign up?
I used to run races ALL the time, but haven’t done one in almost 2 years! I just wasn’t interested in it last year, and my part-time job teaching Spinning and Bodypump kind of took over (and left very little time for running). I’m sure I’ll get the bug to race again, but for now, there’s nothing booked. I do like the idea of traveling to do a race though… perhaps to Canada? :) What a great excuse to travel.
Good luck with your upcoming races!
If you decide to run a race in August, I’ll be in Burlington and would love to run with you :) Because there’s nothing more fun than running in ridiculous summer humidity right?
That’s exciting that you’re going to start racing again. I have tried so many things over the years; dabbled with a little bit of this and that, and I have found that what works for me is a combo of running and yoga. I love them both, they give me what I need mentally and physically, and I can do them on my own timetable and don’t need a gym membership for since I do them on my own (running outside) and yoga at home.
Can’t wait to hear about your races!
That is wonderful you are getting back into something you love! This year I have committed to do doing Yoga at least 3 times per week, intermixed with my other exercise activities. Yoga is a huge stress reliever for me, and the more I do it the more I realize just how much it means to me and how big of an impact it has on my life. Have a wonderful weekend!