In the year since I quit running, I’ve received a high number of emails and blog comments from readers wanting to know if I’ll ever go back to it in the future.
While I’d initially been one of those people no one believes because they insist they really do love running, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever want to run again after having burned out from logging eight or nine miles at least every other day without a single break in over five years. Upon quitting, the passion to run remained very much absent from July until spring of the following year.
(Especially in February, my sole desire was to burrow under a ginormous sea of blankets on the couch watching Netflix.)
Then, one cool afternoon in March, I felt it…
The desire to run.
I ran a grand total of ten minutes that day and felt no need to run again for another month afterward. And now I think I’ve found a good balance, running only when I want to do so, which usually translates to a few times a week, for about an hour each time. There aren’t plans to increase this amount, nor is there any guilt whatsoever if the desire goes away (as it sometimes does) and I don’t run at all for weeks at a time.
Thus, I’ve rediscovered my love of running.
It definitely helps when, instead of oppressive Texas heat and cookie-cutter suburban houses, my routes now take me past wildlife, waterfalls, and American history books come to life. All of the photos in this post were taken while running.
People have asked if I’m ever worried the obsession might come back.
But my answer is a confident and emphatic “no.” I remember what my life was like before; I remember the stress involved in planning every run and worrying how I could fit it in on vacation or during bouts of inclement weather. I remember my drawn appearance and the lack of energy and motivation I felt for any activities unrelated to running. And I know what my life is like now—so much richer and more vibrant than before.
There’s no desire to ever go back.
You’re in my backyard! This is familiar scenery for a DC-local 🙂 Excessive exercise takes over your life, glad to hear your thoughts on the subject!
Katie, thank you for sharing what’s on your heart, especially concerning your running story. I stopped running two months ago for almost the same reason; I had lost the joy that initially came with running and it had become an obsession. Like you, I was constantly configuring my life around running and it just sapped my strength. It’s nice to know that you’ve found a balance and that your life is more vibrant now:)
I periodically read your blog because your food looks (and tastes) oh so delicious.
However, posts like these keep me coming back. We all go through stuff and seeing you face the challenges in your life and thrive in spite of them is an inspiration.
I’m happy that you’re finding happiness, not just in your blog, but in your life. All the best.
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s great to hear that you have found your way to a balanced life. My experience and relationship with running is similar to what you describe.
In my case it was a difficult breakup that resulted in a need to keep my life in control. I thought I was taking care of myself by exercising and eating healthy. I didn’t realise that it left me with very little time and energy to actually live. It took a while before I started valuing my mental health over my physical health. My decision was made over many months but once I started to prioritise my mind over my body, my friends over food, my family over running, I experienced a new side of myself. In the process of taking care of myself I became stronger, smarter, happier, nicer, funnier, more compassionate and for the first time I felt loved.
Keep up the good work!
I think it is really disturbing how many people seem to take delight in accusing Katie of anorexia. Having suffered from anorexia and bulimia in my teens and early twenties, it is not something to fling around as a school yard insult. I don’t know if she is or not, nor do I think it’s my business, nor is it anyone else’s. Eating disorders are serious diseases that never really completely go away for the sufferer, so I think people need to think twice before opening their mouths. Especially since most people (even you bullies) know someone that suffers from an eating disorder whether you know it or not.
Thank you for being courageous and sharing so honestly!
Kudos to the newfound happiness, Katie! I love the pictures, and I love that you found the balance. That is not easy to do. You look fantastic, and thank you for opening yourself up in posts like this. It’s not easy to put yourself out there, and I appreciate that you addressed this.
Good for you for doing what feels right and aligns with your emotional and physical nature. And the pictures are stunning!
I have the same attitude towards running and HIIT workouts! I think it’s time to give it a rest and renew my spirit and energy. thank you for sharing this.
For me there are certainly aspects of running that I enjoy. It’s much like a meditation and brings you to reach deep within, but on the other hand the cardiovascular damage and joint damage just aren’t worth it.
Nice post! Just wondering, where do you run in DC? I just moved here last week and I’m trying to find the best places to run! Also how are you liking the city so far? 🙂
Absolutely love the city so far! But as for running, I don’t really follow any specific trails. I just go out and run or take the train to a metro stop and run from there 🙂
I had no idea you were living in DC now! Welcome to my area 😀
What a beautiful post. I can relate to so much of it. I’m in the process of relieving myself from expectations that I should run (or should buy food from local markets or shouldn’t take long hot showers…). Thanks for sharing.
Good for you! I “tried to like running” by doing a half marathon a few years ago. After I finished, I concluded that I still hated running. It doesn’t sound like you hate it, but that you’re listening to your own intuition, which is super.
Lovely to hear you have found a balance with running. I’ve recently just started – not a lot, just half an hour 2/3 times a week. I find it’s a great way to switch off. Your blog is great, I’ve already tried out a couple of recipes! x
Thank you for sharing! I think it’s so important to find the balance of healthy exercise. I love that you’ve shared your journey towards that!