Making Time

It's been four weeks since I got back to a regular running schedule, and one week since I started a structured half marathon training program to get me ready for the fall. I'm already surprised at how far I've come. Last year in June I pushed myself to run 30 miles in 30 days. This month, I've run almost 60, and I have a 6-miler coming up this weekend. I joined a cardio hip-hop class to fill one of my cross-training days; the other I spend at the gym.

More than the miles, I've noticed how different running feels. Steep inclines used to mean deep panting, a walking break, or a much slower jog; now I barely notice them. My legs are stronger, taking some of the pressure off of my heart and lungs to get the work done. 

It's only been four weeks, and yet I think this is the most fit I have ever been. It's amazing how fast progress can happen when you make a commitment. I'm only getting up 15 minutes earlier than I have for the past two years, and the only thing I'm skipping of my old morning routine is time spent lying on the couch with my laptop. If you had told me even a year or two ago that I would be getting up before work to run 4 miles nearly every day, I would have laughed in your face. 

This really makes me think about the other things I've sworn there's not enough time for in my life. Yesterday, before work, I had fed and snuggled the cats, been to the gym, taken out the recycling, e-mailed a friend, and caught up with two family members over the phone. There is always time for the things that matter. 

I will attempt to remind myself of this as my daily mileage climbs to 5 and then 6 miles over the next couple of weeks...