Monday, March 10, 2014

Spring Cleaning for Runners

It's definitely spring in Georgia. Last week, we saw sleet. This week, the kid and I wandered the zoo in short sleeves. In like a lion, out like a lamb, right? While regularly scheduled warm weather is still a few weeks off, I've started thinking about spring cleaning.

I love the annual purging of stuff that comes with the change in season, and this year, I'm adding running to my spring cleaning list.

The first thing to go isn't something I can stuff in a garbage bag, although I sort of wish I could. The first thing I'm going to trash is my unrealistic expectations of where I am in my running journey.

I read a lot of blogs and follow a lot of awesome runners. Runners who run half and full marathons every weekend inspire me but they also make me forget that I am still on the 5k and 10k circuit. I'd love to be one of those runners one day, but I need to remember it doesn't happen overnight.



Next, something practical. It's time to get rid of all the cotton running shirts. Not my race tees--I love those. I'm talking about all those clothes I got when I first started running and didn't know any better, and the not so comfortable clothes I've bought on sale when I should have known better.

The next one isn't a purge so much as a replacement. All the cheap and uncomfortable running clothes I'm tossing will be replaced with one or two quality items.  I feel like I run enough now to justify some higher end gear.

Then there's the negative thoughts. The ones that creep in when I'm slogging away on the treadmill doing early morning miles or when I finish a so-so run. I have to remind myself that even a "bad" run is better than no run at all.  Then there's the self-conscious thoughts that sneak up at a starting line that make me tug on the hem of my running skirt or wish I'd worn sleeves instead of a tank top. You'd think by now I'd know that runners come in all different shapes and sizes. This spring, I'm done comparing myself to other runners, bloggers and people in general. I always finish a race with a smile on my face, and that's the important thing.


A penny for your thoughts: what will you be spring cleaning this year? 

4 comments:

  1. I did most of my spring cleaning when I moved at the tail end of January, but I will probably do a deep clean of some areas in my house that get neglected (kids closet and toy area is one!)

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  2. I LOVE this idea!! I'm letting go of the idea that I am invincible. It's okay to get injured or need a break; that doesn't mean I am any less of a runner.

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