On the road again

It has been a long hiatus for me, feels like both from the running and the blogging. I lost the energy on both for a while there.

After the marathon, the running came to a virtual standstill (no pun intended). Partly because I had to take a break after the race, partly I didn't have the time to run, and partly because I didn't have the energy. The three weeks after it were just a bit mental, wrapping up my London life. Packing up the last five years took some effort, both physically and mentally, and running wasn't really on the top of the list of priorities. I still tried to do some, to keep the pounds at bay, which I don't think really work, since I definitely had some indulgences. Either way, the effort wasn't really there, and I did feel a bit bad about it, and miss the competitiveness.

That is one thing I worry about - I do so much better with training and maintaining if I am aiming for something out there in the distance. If not, the effort just seems a bit futile or worthless sometimes, especially if I am doing the running on my own. I enjoy it, of course, most days, but it doesn't feel like I have to be out there slogging away, so it is easier to fob off the odd run here and there. So when I don't have that out there, I am sometimes wondering, 'What is the point?' It does help keep me sane though, so I guess that is a good enough reason.

But, the good news is that I am back in Spokane, and for good this time. I am excited about it for sure, and I was ready in many ways. It was sad to say goodbye, and I ran the gamut of emotions pretty much everyday, but I am certain about the move home and certain that it is for the right reasons. I was getting really excited at the end, which makes all of the tedium all the more so. I was sad to leave work, but not at the same time - some of the bureaucracy was just getting to be too much and I haven't really missed the day-to-day issues very much at all. Just the friends really. I am sure a couple weeks in, when I am a bit more settled, I will at least be missing the routine of it, as I like structure, but not just yet at least.

The first week and a half back here were about as mental as those before them - lots of rushing around, getting settled, trying to be an American in America again. All good, but stretched. Throw in the Thanksgiving holiday and trying to prepare part of a dinner for 13 and it added up. This week, though, things have slowed a bit, and let me get back into a serious running regime, at least, and that makes me feel good.

This week has been great, and I have been motivated. I have run with the Swifts twice, and that helps the morale for sure, especially when the run involves setting out at 5:30pm in the pitch black and cold - I wouldn't do that on my own, but doing it with them makes it so much more bearable, enjoyable even! I have also run the last four runs with SR, who is super good motivation and we are good at pushing each other. It is really helpful, and both of us have eluded to the fact that we 'wouldn't have run that hard on my own' - it is good to have a running buddy for sure, and I look forward to much more of it. I have also joined the gym (no more pretending to be my 45 year old stepmother) and am determined to focus more on the S&C stuff - I had gotten pretty decent about it last year, but need to get back into it. It will be fun, and easier with JM and LJ to go with.

So that is sort of where I am at - trying to get back into the groove, and trying to take advantage of being able to run outside for as long as possible before the snow comes. It is feeling good this week, so hope to keep it up. Watch this space.