The Track

Lately I have been taking the opportunity to run at the local school track.  It is a new environment for me.  I was less than athletic in school but always had a secret desire to run track and involve myself in sports. 

Most of my friends know that I had anxiety about visiting the track.  What caused my anxiety?  The judgement of others?  The memories of not fitting in as a kid?  The fear of looking stupid?  Probably a little bit of all of those things.  Still, I carried on and visited the track. 

I'm glad I did.  What I have found is a softer, even running surface, less distractions and a place where I can truly clear my head.

I have also found that I am not as good at running as I was two years ago, but am not giving up.What used to be a 35 minute three mile run, has turned into an hour long three mile workout that involves walking, running bleachers, stretching and about one and a half miles of actual running.

I'm not beating myself up about it.  I am still getting a very good workout and am about 25 pounds heavier than I was the last time I took running seriously.  Some of that is muscle I have built and some is questionable food choices.

I struggle with being hard on myself so I am proud that I am taking this in stride and plugging along.