Tuesday, August 4, 2009

All Good

Never underestimate the power of running. As a runner, I am constantly asked, "How can you do that?" How can you go out day after day and pound the pavement? I often want to ask, "How can you not?"

As fellow runners, I think most of the readers of this blog don't need a lecture on the physical or mental benefits of running. But it never hurts to be reassured. I have been dealing with a lot of crazy at work. Yesterday afternoon, I had an hour long meeting with a client that brought me down. Way down. I left the office for the track feeling exhausted and questioning whether I ever do anybody any good.

Ten minutes later, I started my track repeats. I decided to do 400, 800, 1200, 800, 400 to mix it up a little. As soon as I started the fast repeats, my self-doubt started to disappear. Because there's no room to feel exhausted or worthless when you are using every ounce of your being to fling yourself around the track as fast as possible. And when you're focusing all of your concentration on getting to that finish line (or in this case, the spot where my G2 was waiting) without puking, it's hard to feel bad about yourself.

I left the track, having accomplished exactly what I set out to do. I was proud of completing a tough workout. I was sweaty and tired, but nowhere near as exhausted as I was when I left the office. And even though my difficult clients were still waiting with all of their drama and problems, running reminded me to put everything in perspective. I don't create people's problems - I just try to fix the messes they get themselves into. Doing this job isn't what defines me and if I have a bad day, it doesn't mean that I am a failure or a worthless person. But being a runner (and being a mom and a wife) DO define me. Succeeding in those things is where my sense of self worth comes from. And if that doesn't keep me going to the track, I don't know what will.

After I got home from the track, my hubby, Sophie and I headed out to golf nine holes. My general Pollyanna sense of happiness just kept going and going - we had a perfect night of golf, with perfect whether, and a perfectly behaved near-two-year old (is that an oxymoron?). I went to bed last night feeling like it had been the perfect summer day.

13 comments:

JimC said...

Heather you rock! I have been struggling with my job and the crazy ass people I work with everyday too! Your comment about not creating peoples problems.....just try to fix the messes...is so true for me too and I needed to hear that! Running is my saving grace too! Keep on doing, "one more mile"!!

Pre

ShutUpandRun said...

That does sound like the perfect summer day!!

Carly said...

That is great! You described it perfect. Running is always a mood lifter....even when they are not so perfect.

Erika said...

Sounds like a lovely summer day! Good job leaving the work stress at work.

MCM Mama

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Great post... and you're so right about it all. Glad you had a feel good run after a crappy day :)

Ali said...

Awesome post ... running helps me balance life. It clears my head and makes me happy.

Sounds like a great evening with the family.

RunMommyRun said...

Ah, this post made me smile. You are right...we are not defined by our crappy days. We are defined by what we put into life, and life on the track is a good life. :)

Anonymous said...

I am so glad your run made you feel better about things and reminded you of who you are. Very cool that Sophie did well while you guys played 9.

Running Through Life said...

What a great attitude. Good for you that you can separate work and personal, for me it is so difficult. Running keeps us grounded and focused but ultimately it is attitude that controls our outlook. Kudos to you for keeping you priorities straight.

Marlene said...

Nothing like a solid workout and some family time to erase your memories of a crappy day at work!

X-Country2 said...

Good for you! I agree, how can people NOT run?

M2Marathon said...

Great post. Running does the same for me. Even a bad run, is a good one. And I am always thankful to have a strong, healthy body that allows me to do what I enjoy.

Aron said...

i agree how can you NOT :)

awesome job!!! i love when you can run out frustrations :)