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!
~~~
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?
I would love to join you, but I have been out of running for a few years so I’m slowly getting myself back into it. I really do miss hot yoga and I’ve started going back and realize how much I enjoy it.
So exciting you are getting back to races. They are so much fun! I used to run a lot but got bored with it. Now I’m a gym rat and that will probably change soon enough. I just can’t do the same old same old all the time. I’d love to get back into yoga again. The time will come :)
Yay for running races! Good luck!
Congratulations on signing up for the races! It will feel great to get back into it.
I’m also a runner thats been on a bit of a race ‘hiatus’ (so to speak) for a while – and, like, you, I’m super keen to get back into it! It makes me nervous that I’m nowhere near as fit as I used to be, so I know I won’t beat my fastest time without some intense training. There is a half coming up in April that I’m planning to sign up for, so I just need to bite the bullet and just do it!
Rock climbing! I did it regularly at a climbing gym with a friend for about a year… several years ago. But your mention of climbing in AZ has me thinking about it all over again ~ and happy I didn’t ditch my gear for good (just tossed it in the closet!) :-)
You’re amazing girl, keep that passion alive!!! You are going to crush every race you have coming up!! Sooo proud of all your greatness!!
xxoo
I’m actually just taking up running so this was the perfect timing for this post! I’m training specifically for the 5k Color Run (I THINK there’s a date for one in Toronto but I’m not 100% sure). Getting “painted” every kilometer? Yes please! Just the right kind of motivation to get me involved with running.
And if Kim comes back to check this out: I’m in Oregon too and the 5k Color Run will be in Portland in August if you’re interested ;-)
That’s awesome! I would run with you in a heartbeat but I’m in Vancouver :(. I love 5Ks especially because there aren’t many nerves around it and I don’t have to worry about my knee as much as with a 10K. I have never done longer than a 10K – I’m really not a long-distance runner at all! Good luck with your races!
HI Anna!
Thought I would just mention there is the Fort Langley Historic run next weekend, they have a 5k which I will be doing, my first run ever! Oh and I checked out your blog, looks awesome, will have to try out those better than starbucks brownies :)
Thanks so much Sheesh! And thanks for letting me know about the Fort Langley run – good luck to you! You’ll do great!
Thats awesome. Good luck this weekend. I just signed up for the mercedes 10k in
oakville. One finisher wins a lease for a mercedes for a year!
Thanks for posting this today, I have my first run EVER next weekend and this is just the inspiration I need. It’s a 5k and that’s what I’ve been running for a few months at home now, but I don’t know exactly what to expect. I’ll have to search your blog for some pre race tips!
Congratulations :)
Hey Angela!
I just signed up for the Yonge St. 10K myself!! This will be my second race ever, and I am super pumped to really start training for it. I’m writing an exam tomorrow morning that has had a hold on my life for the last many months and I’m so so excited to get that out of my life and start running more!
If I see you around the day-of, I’ll be sure to introduce myself and say hi!
Wahoo! I’m running the Yonge 10K’er too!!
Angela, I think that it’s great and inspiring that you’re making time for what you love. Wish I lived in Canada so that we could be race buddies, Boo :(
I just started running and have enjoyed it. I’m running my first 5k in April. It will be fun to read about your races again.
Oddly enough the thing I miss is pole dancing. I thrived on it when I was younger it strengthed my arms and I could so some amazing and daring things, upside down and no hands type since work I stopped but I do miss it and consider going back to it.
Love this! “these accomplishments also have a positive impact on my anxiety.” When it comes down to it, our workouts are a time to WORK things OUT! Sometimes more mentally than physically! Have fun training and meeting the goals along the way – excited to read about the journey!
I’ll be doing the 10k race on Yonge! Actually my friend and I are training for it in the city. Hope to see you there ^___^
hope to see you too Shannon!
I am a Canadian (B.C.) replanted in Oahu, Hawaii and I run 10k, 1/2 marathons and hopefully my first full in Hawaii. There are always great races year around here and then the HUGE Honolulu Marathon during mid-December if you are ever interested in running in the cool hawaiian breeze!
I used to take belly dancing classses back in college and I keep telling myself I need to sign up for them again. It’s not only tons of fun but it’s also a really great workout because it allows you to use and move parts of the body you wouldn’t normally work. I remember also being much more in touch and in love with my body back then and I really think it has to do with the dancing. Now that I’ve actually written all this, I really feel encouraged to just go ahead and take the classes again. Thanks for the motivation. Good luck with your races. Wish me luck in shaking my booty!
Hi Angela! I recently found your blog a few days ago and find my self going back everyday to look at your yummy vegan recipes. I am not a vegan (as of yet!) but I am a vegetarian and also lactose-intolerant. Your blog has inspired me to get back on the health wagon, as we know that being vegetarian doesn’t make you healthy. I have a HUGE sweet tooth! Your running updates have also inspired me to get back into running, even though I haven’t run in MONTHS! So today I braved the rainy BC weather and ran 2 min walk 2 min. I am exhausted, but also invigorated! I am going to sign up for a 5k and start training. Thanks for your blog, I’m excited to get back into shape and to be good to my body! -Clare
Congrats Clare! So proud of you :)