Why Should Resolutions Come Only Once a Year?

posted 1st January 2011    Written by: Renee    CATEGORY: Inspiration, Renee, Season 3

You heard it here first: I’m going to start running this spring. I say “this spring” because I know myself and I know there’s no way in hell I’ll start running in the dead of Chicago winter. But this spring, when the ground starts the thaw, I’ll strap on some new shoes, I’ll brace my knee if I have to, I’ll flip on some offensive rap music, and I’ll hit the pavement.  I know it’s not going to be easy at first. I know I won’t be able to actually run far. But I can already tell this is going to be the best way to release energy and stress. After a semester of grad school, my body is craving some kind of outlet… so far it’s been wine, but that doesn’t get rid of the ache in my shoulders from sitting at my desk for 14 hours.

Truly, this is my one goal for 2011. I’m not the type to set New Year’s Resolutions; I set resolutions throughout the year. If I want something, I go for it. I don’t wait until January 1 rolls around.  I think that’s kind of silly.  But this year, the running bug hit me as the temperature started to drop. So I said to myself, “Self, next spring, you’re putting one of those paychecks to good use. Self, you’re gonna invest in a pair of shoes and some UnderArmor and you’re going to start to run. You hear me, Self?”

I talk to myself like that, for realsies.

The long days, the sugary coffee drinks, the “treating myself with nachos” is starting to catch up with me. It’s not that I feel fat; I have my days but 85% of the time I’m pretty happy with how my body looks. I just feel blah. I feel frumpy and lazy and globby… I feel like I need to get out of my desk chair and blow off some steam.

This probably comes as a surprise to anyone who knows me and anyone who has ever heard me say, “Oh, I don’t exercise. I hate it.” Or “I only run if I’m being chased.” But there was a time in my life when I could run a mile in under 6:30. Okay, I was 14 years old, BUT STILL. If I could do it then, I can do it now.

I don’t have bright-eyed plans to be in a marathon. That’s not realistic yet. Maybe I’ll try that Couch to 5k program everyone raves about. But this plan has nothing to do with competing with anyone else in any kind of race. It’s about me and how I feel.

So, if I were the type to make New Year’s Resolutions, this would be it. But I’m not that kinda girl, so instead I’m telling myself simply that next spring, I’m going to be a runner.

{photo credit: joshjanssen}

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Comments (8)

8 Responses to “Why Should Resolutions Come Only Once a Year?”

  • nikki_klecha Says:
    January 2nd, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Nice. And I LOVE that you're doing this for you, because of how you feel, not because it's a new year and not because of body issues or for competition. So healthy, in every sense. :)

  • Lacey Bean Says:
    January 3rd, 2011 at 6:13 am

    I'm getting into yoga cause I need that outlet too. I just feel so GOOD after a session. Good luck!

  • Molly_Hoyne_Mahar Says:
    January 3rd, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    Woo Hoo! I'm tackling running with you tooooo! I go in and out of being a jogger, but I would love to be able to get up and just "go for a run". I think it's the ease and freedom I crave.

    Springtime? You and me? Let's make a plan! (Never hit 6:30, but I could pull under 7 in highschool!)

  • Alisha Says:
    January 3rd, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    yes, yes, do!!! you should so sign up for the bank of america shamrock shuffle 8k downtown. it's in march! it would give you a motivating goal to work toward. i love running. i always feel so free… if you need any resources, let me know.

  • Renee Says:
    January 4th, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    March. In Chicago. Running 8k? Yeaaaaah…. SO not realistic for me. March is about the time I'll start running, probably.

  • Renee Says:
    January 4th, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Let's do. I haven't been running for nearly ten years. I'm gonna start slooow.

  • Renee Says:
    January 4th, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Good luck to you, too! Yoga doesn't stick with me. I think I need something more mindless!

  • Renee Says:
    January 4th, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Thank you! That's what makes the decision most comfortable, that I've come to this conclusion of my own accord with no end-goal.

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