Today I took my first run in what feels like forever. In fact, I haven’t done any kind of exercise in a couple months.
Let me tell you why.
Over the past year and a half, my health has been like a roller coaster. When I was down, I laid low and tried to rest as much as possible. When I was up, I would go to the gym and work out as hard as possible. On those “up” weeks, my determination usually got the best of me. As much as I tried to stare in the villainous face of Celiac and tell it who was boss, the disease always ended up getting the best of me. Those exercise-heavy weeks would inevitably push me back down, and for a longer stretch each time.
I finally realized that I needed to give myself a break. I needed to give myself permission to rest.
I froze my gym membership and forced myself to chill out. That was two months ago. My health is still up and down, and my doctor and I are currently trying to make some sense of it all. But I feel ready to start exercising again. Slowly.
In perfect timing, I found an accountability group to join. A running group for people who hate don’t love running.
Today I laced up my shoes and ran slowly and steadily for two miles. I wanted to walk plenty of times, but I stuck it out and I’m glad I did. I’m also glad that I didn’t go crazy and try to do more.
In this new training period, I hope to stop trying to race against celiac disease and simply race with celiac disease. It’s never going away, and trying to beat it with a hard workout does nothing but hurt me.
And speaking of hurting, the reason I haven’t loved running in the past is because I always seem to get hurt after a while. After reading the newest Chi Running book (CHI MARATHON: The Breakthrough Natural Running Program for a Pain-Free Half-Marathon and Marathon), I learned why. My running posture was a mess!
Whether you’re an on and off runner like me or a seasoned marathoner, this book will help you learn how to run pain-free. They teach you how to position your body and even how to relax during a run.
Yes, relax.
Before taking my two-month break, I put the CHI Running tips into practice and found running to be much more enjoyable and less painful. This book also has a training schedule including speed training, hill running and how to prepare for a race.
Don’t be intimidated by the title, you don’t have to be a marathoner to learn from this book. I’m certainly not!
The CHI people sent me an extra copy to give away. Would you like to win it? Enter below!Giveaway has ended.
Disclosure: I was provided a free review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Hey girl – SO GLAD you’re running with us! I love that we’re all coming together to run even if we don’t like it, even if it’s super hard for us, or even if we wish we could be doing more. It takes self control in both directions, doesn’t it?
Wishing you safe and pleasant (ha!) runs, girl!
I love running… most days. But today the windchill got the better of me. I hope you are able to kick celiac’s a$$ and get it under control – hugs!
Would love to be a better runner. I think the reason I give up so easily is my posture. My body aches so much after an easy run, it wears me down. would love the book!
Run, sister, run! I have come to realize that running is for sure not ever gonna be my thing, BUT this off season yoga has become my friend. Hooray! Can’t wait to hear of all your future successes in running. 🙂
Do I like running… what a hard question. When I first start off… like that first .33 miles, all I want to do is stop. By the time I get up to 2 miles, I’m loving it!! Endorphins kick in and I feel great.
Oddly, just like you, I’ve recently “picked up” run again… I started with a very basic training program and have been able to work back up to 3.5 miles.
Congrats to you… hope you continue to find ways to feel your best 🙂
I used to hate running but now love it! 2 5Ks down and hoping for a half marathon later this year. Nothing like clearing your head and getting lost in the pavement.
I LOVE running, by it’s killer on my knees – I need to read this book!!
I use to LOVE it. My dad got me to start running in elementary. Up to 7 miles a day in middle school. Then was running 14 miles a day on average between highschool and two years ago. However, the cartilage was wearing away in my knees from the impact of the cement after YEARS. So I stopped and got into weight lifting, yoga, kick boxing, and etc. I love it 🙂
I don’t love to run, but the affects on my mind and body get me out there!
I love your blog! I couldn’t answer the question on the raffle, so I will answer it here. I would love this book because I would love to learn how I can better run to not hurt my body. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and the high-impact exercise can be both good, and really bad for my joints. But I love to run. I just find that I am injured a lot. I love how I can completely remove myself from everything when I run. I read part of Chi Running and I would love to read this book because I’m running my first marathon in May! Ah! I hope I win! Either way, thanks for sharing!
I don’t think I answered the question that the giveaway asked… not sure I did that whole thing correctly. I am an on and off runner as well, maybe more off than on these days. Lately, I feel yucky after a run and never seem to achieve the “high” I use to get from it. I keep hoping it will come back, but it just doesn’t. I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong or just need to move on to something else. I hate giving up on the idea of being a “runner” though.
I just started following your blog after a good friend of mine (who went to ou with you) told me about your site. I wanted to tell you how much your blog has helped me. I was diagnosed with celiac at the end of October and, like you, when I was first diagnosed I was ecstatic. For 6 years plus I did every medical test out there…. Doctors could not figure out my problem and chalked it up to ibs/nerves/stress. I finally found a new doctor and within a few months, was diagnosed with celiac. I thought cutting gluten out would be the end all and I would feel great. And I have my days where I do… But I am not there. I am learning and trying to figure out how best to heal my body and calm my body. Some days/weeks I feel pretty rotten- and it is harder than before. I am Learning how to adapt and how to feel okay. It is frustrating and I wish , for myself and those around me, that I could figure out how to eat in a way that does not bother me. I am trying and learning and your site has helped me realize me that it is a journey with good days and bad and that I am not alone. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Eh. I can only take so much running. i really can’t make it that regular because i just get so bored. but when I do go for a long run on the lakefront (i’m in Chicago), it’s just so relaxing and the perfect strong workout/meditation that i need 🙂
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Running’s about the only thing I know how to do. I definitely go in spurts and get excited about a race and then when it’s over, the excitement wears off too. I wish I could be a bit more consistent in my running. Thanks for offering this wonderful book. Sounds interesting!
I never thought I was a runner but since becoming a Mamavation Mom I have discovered that I LOVE running.
I enjoy running… I don’t run very fast or very long distances. I do like running outside 3 – 6 miles at a time. It gives me way to clear my head.
I actually love running. It doesn’t always love me, but it is the one exercise that doesn’t hurt my neck and that makes me a happy camper.
I used to love to run but have been on a long hiatus due to having babies. I want to start back up again but know it is going to hurt! Would love to get better form.
I do like running. It’s a great way to burn calories.
I want to love running. I’m trying to learn how!!!
I am hoping that if I win this I will be able to learn to run without the pain in my knees that I get from even short runs now.
[…] What should it look like? What kind of workouts should I start with? Should I unfreeze my gym membership, and how often should I go? Should I workout in the morning or afternoon? Should I train for a […]