How to start running... again

So once upon a time, I actually started to like running.  Okay, it really wasn't all that long ago.  It was back in March, after I decided that it was embarrassing that I couldn't run a 5k.  I spent a lot of time building up the endurance to be able to run for 3.1 miles, and I was really proud of that.  It was something I never thought to be possible.

Then a series of unfortunate events got me out of the running habit.  First, a very intense weight training program.  Next, an IT Band injury.  It just seemed like every time I wanted to gear up my running again, something would happen that would just push back my running mojo.  Then, the unthinkable happened.  I stopped being excited about running.  It sudden;y seemed miserable again, just as it had back before I started doing 5k events.  Which was strange, because I still had the undeniable urge to go out and do a half marathon -- just not anytime soon.  I knew the problem was that I just had to get out there and do it as soon as I had the urge to go.  No putting it off, just getting out the door, and enjoying the process of running.

It struck yesterday, finally.  I was getting off of work, and I was contemplating whether to go for a bike ride, or whether to attempt a run.  I'd been trying to pick up with interval training in my running again, and I was frustrated with it.  I was pushing myself to the limit on my run intervals, and not recovering properly.  In the end, I decided to do a run, but not follow any set workout.  Just go out and jog as slow as I needed to, and walk when the mood struck.  So out I dutifully went with the cheesiest playlist known to man.  It's really bad, but for whatever reason, I can't get the screenshot to edit right, so you'll just have to trust me on this.  Sorry.

I set out at what felt like the world's slowest jog, and maintained the pace for 3 songs.  Mind you, these are boy band songs, like 'NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, so they aren't very long.  Then I walked.  Then I jogged.  Then I walked.  And guess what?  Then I jogged some more.  It was intervals, but there was really no rhyme or reason.  Just go as far as you can, recover, then start again.  I didn't pay attention to how far I went, or my speed.  And yet, it was one of my faster running workouts in quite a while.  A complete success.

And that, my friends, is how you start running again.  You just go out, and do your best, the second the mood strikes.  And if it doesn't strike, maybe you just go and do it anyway.  Or maybe you eat bonbons.  I don't judge.