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’m doing the Yonge street 10k with a few friends, you are welcome to run with us, we’re all fans of the site!! I actually kinda looked for you at the 10 miler last year…
cool!! That would be fun. Shoot me an email leading up to the race if you’d like and maybe we can work something out :)
I will, and we are starting to organize a trip to Barbados to do the race weekend there next December… Just saying…
Good for you Ang, Way to get back at it. Go get em’ and we know you will. :)
hi there! i just came across your blog! i’m a swedish wellness blogger but have a friend in canada who i’ve visited a few times – and who lives in burlington, on. it is such a small world!! good luck with your blogging, training – and your racing! i often go abroad to race and it is such a fun thing to do. travel and training in the same trip! :)
Good luck with your race this weekend! I am running my second 1/2 marathon this may and competing in my first triathlon this august! If you ever want to run a race in upstate NY, let me know. I would love to join you!
Congrats Ange on getting back into racing! I think its great you’re easing back into it! One thing I’ve learned is that if we want things to happen, we’ve got to make them happen. Good luck over the next few weeks!!
I love racing, but I hate how I always felt as though I HAD to compete at longer distances. I’m most comfortable at 10K or below, but reading blogs made me feel like such a failure if I wasn’t training for a half or full marathon. That really drew me away from running, but I’m getting back to something I love and I’m so happy to be doing it my way! I hope you have fun!
If I were in Burlington this weekend, I would definitely run that race with you! But I’ll be back in May and I’m thinking of doing either the 5 or 10K Run for Wells on May 26. If you’re not already raced out by then, you should join me! :D
Growing up I loved horse riding. I competed in showjumping for over ten years…even travelling internationally for events! I gave it up when I started university because I just didn’t have time anymore. I would love to rekindle my passion for riding again at some point. For now I will still focus on keeping fit and healthy with the gym, but one day I hope to hop back in the saddle!
I’m planning on doing the Frosty 5K. :)
Good for you for signing up for those races – that will get you positive, motivated and right back into it :D
That’s awesome that you’re getting back into running. I’ve run a few marathons before and I know from experience that unless I’m signed up for a race, I just don’t run as much as I should. I’m training for the Nashville marathon right now and just experimenting with running with a more vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and so far so good, but I’m worried for the long runs. It is definitely so easy to let life get in the way of exercising as well as any other hobbies.
Good luck on your race this weekend! Do you think you’ll ever try a full marathon??? Also, do you have any speed workout tips? I am sloooooow (like 11 minute miles slow) and need to pick up the pace at some point haha.
Hey Hailey, I doubt I will run a full marathon as Ive had a history of knee pains when running long distances. I think I have blogged about speed runs in the past but I cant seem to find them. maybe an idea for a future post!
I just found your blog and have been reading through it for the last two hours. Your recipes and photos are amazing! My vegan overnight oats are ready to go for tomorrow morning before I teach yoga. I am so glad you like yoga so much :). I actually teach hot yoga twice a week. Have a great weekend!
Thanks Stephanie!
Angela,
I have been following you for quit a few months now and absolutely love your website and recipes. My husband and I have both been vegan for 10 months and would not change it for the world. I came accross this news story and thought of you and how much you enjoy whole foods. I loved the store as well but will definately keep an eye out the next time I go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=JQ31Ljd9T_Y . I can’t wait for all your new recipes to come!
Tegan
Hey Tegan,
Glad you are enjoying the blog! Yes I have watched that video…shocking isn’t it? I’m definitely going to keep an eye out too.
Great post, Angela. I feel like I can relate to your feelings about doing “everything all at once” and getting overwhelmed by it all. I am signed up for my very first race (!) an 8K and I get the feeling it could definitely be addictive :-) Good luck on your upcoming races!
Good for you- your attitude about it is refreshing- run on sister!!
Good luck this weekend, Angela! I’ll be in Burlington next month for the Chilly, doing the half marathon so maybe I’ll see you there :) Not likely doing the Yonge Street race, but maybe I’ll be out to cheer. I’ve done that race a few times before before (when it was part of the Canada Running Series) and it’s a blast to run down Yonge!
I just started rock climbing and I love it! I decided to pursue my newfound passion for it and I purchased a gym membership just to use their climbing wall and I’m even going on an outdoor trip to Arkansas next week. I am SOOO excited!
I’d like to get back into running when it gets warmer out, but right now, I’m incorporating more strength training into my routine. My body is very sore, so I know something’s working!
Blogging! Over summer and christmas break, I made a point to blog once a day. Since beginning school again though, it has fallen to the way side :(
i’m a runner, and ive been recently for 2 1/2 months. It has meant that I’ve been unable to race. This has not only made me depressed but it meant missing out on a lot of social activities with my running club! Racing is what i miss the most, and I cannot wait until I can do it again!
Once you’ve done your 5k on 12th, you’re passion will definitely be rekindled. x