After I quit running, I went through a long phase when I absolutely hated the sport and was glad to hang up the spikes. That seems to be a common theme with most former college runners I've spoken to. After many 15 minute runs (without iPod) I believe I've identified the reason. The reason is that 90% of running SUCKS! In fact, the suck ratio is probably even higher if you were constantly injured and forced to spend weeks in the training room every year. I was at least lucky enough to usually get injured at the same time one of the hot gymnasts or soccer players were also injured.
Once I started running again - my motive being weight loss and a reduction in heartburn - I realized that perhaps running didn't necessarily have to suck. Maybe, my hatred was related to our absolute obsession with running and lack of any type of perspective that would allow us to realize that a bad workout in Purcell had absolutely zero effect on humanity.
The simple solution was to come up with rules to eliminate those things we all did that made running suck. Here are some of the rules I came up for myself:
1) Running in Sub-35 degrees. I don't remember once running on a treadmill due to frigid temperatures in college. What was the point? I think it was some faux bravado and a little insanity. The worst was when we'd cover our entire face because it was so cold that any type of exposure could cause frostbite. I did violate this rule once two weeks but that was Foster's fault for telling me he ran 20 miles the previous week. Thanks Train!
2) Two a Day Training. Not only was running early in the am miserable, I'm not even sure if I got any value out of it. In fact, I think running with tight muscles triggered the injury that forced me to quit running.
3) Ice Therapy. I've recently completely violated this rule. I bought a huge quantity of those stupid paper cups and have began icing my knee. It's pretty horrible but hopefully I won't start the ice/heat contrast therapy.
4) Running while sick. I'm not talking about a tad under the weather. I'm talking about dragging yourself out the door despite the fact that you probably have a fever. This rule will be the easiest to abide by.
5) Always running the planned amount. I have no problem cutting a run short if I planned on going 30 but realize I feel like shit. This rule also includes that stupid extra loop around the block to get 30 instead of 29:28. I've mostly been true to this rule but am fighting my instinct.
6) Running in cold rain. Originally the rule included any rain but I got caught in a couple downpours this Fall and didn't exactly turn around early. Running in 40 degree rain in the Winter is just horrible and doubt I'll break this anytime soon.
7) Over 30 miles a week. As long as I can exceed this threshold without violating the other rules, I could potentially see myself sneaking in a 35 mile week sometime but I'm in no danger now.
I'm sure there's more rules but I need to go get in another ice cup massage before bed followed by 4 or 5 Ibuprofin. So what did I miss?
