It has been more than a couple weeks now, and an interesting start to this running challenge that I am on doing The May 50k. I have come to realize two things: 1.Making time to do what you love to do as a parent is a challenge because life always has priorities and making time for what you love to do is not always possible. Or is it? 2. Making time to rest and listen to our bodies is the only way to find strength, find resilience, and move forward with our goals.
Running makes me happy so I have been having to find unique ways to slip in into my schedule; for example fitting in a run right after work, taking our dog Eli for a run, or excusing myself for 30 minutes of me time and going outdoors. (This is my favourite) I would also like to run alongside my daughter when she bikes which I have done in previous years for fun. Even doing a virtual run indoors is possible.
I was very happy and energized at first, or at least not doing to badly so I thought. After a few runs I thought, I’ve got this! I still feel motivated keep going.
So then we were sick and the first rapid test I did I had a positive. I was off work 5 days 7 days in total with the kids. My daughter always had a negative rapid test. I did test negative on a PCR test but felt very sick and had body aches, sore throat and had a very weak feeling in my legs. It clued into me when I tried running one day and my legs felt like blocks; I could barely move forward. I am not sure if its because of pushing too hard, being over 40 or from being sick. It could have been a combination. What I do feel is thankfulness that I am vaccinated against COVID19. I am also thankful my daughter is vaccinated. She had difficulty with her asthma again because every time she catches a virus her asthma is triggered.
As for me I will always keep encouraging everyone to get vaccinated because it can save lives. Catching COVID19 can be a lot worse than having simple cold or flu symptoms it can have long lasting and devastating consequences.
I am realizing that it’s all about body movement and not necessarily about the big run, the fast pace, the finish line. It’s about making the decision to follow through with what I can, make a change in my life, and at the same time give support to my friends. I hope my friends know I care about their physical and mental health as well. I hope my friends know people do care about what they are experiencing.
Many people have had a very difficult journey during this ongoing pandemic. It sometimes seems impossible to be resilient and get motivated to find ways of coping or ways to enjoy time spent. It sometimes feels like there is no break and that there is trouble at every corner. I have found that both art and exercising has helped me in difficult times and I hope to inspire others to find their joy.