Lessons Learned

When 2013 began, I had a lofty goal: run 1200 miles this year or 100 miles per month.

The first 2 months, I did just fine and managed to get my miles in. I was training for a half marathon, so that made it easier.

Then March hit. I started dating an idiot and somehow lost myself and my goals in that process. My mileage dropped. I didn’t care. I was too ‘happy’. Too wrapped up in this new ‘relationship.’

Then he was gone. And I took out my anger on the treadmill and the pavement. I PR’d my 4th Half Marathon. But I didn’t increase my mileage back to 100 miles a month. I just lived life. I dated other guys. I ran when I wanted and I ran shorter distances. After spending the summer of 2012 training for the Chicago Marathon, it was nice to run however much I felt like running this summer. No schedules. Just me.

I dropped the 8 pounds I gained. I’m back to my Pre-Marathon weight. I’m running 2-3 miles 3-4 days a week. I’m riding my bike. I’m doing my pushups. I’m happy. I’m not tied to that number. It doesn’t haunt me. It’s so arbitrary anyway.

I finally realized: you will NOT lose weight by training for a Full or Half Marathon. The body needs the calories. You will gain weight. It’s ok. But if you run for fitness and fun, your body will find balance and you will lose weight (again!).

Today my Daily Mile number sits at 637 miles for the year. It’s September 18th. There are 3.5 months left in 2013. I honestly don’t know where I’ll end the year. Will I hit 900? 1000? 800? To be honest, I don’t care. I just know that the miles I do run are for me. They make me happy. They take away my stress and give me endorphines. And that’s all I can ask for.