10 Comments
Apr 15Liked by Sarah Lavender Smith

Wow great post hits kinda close to home. I kinda learned to live with my demons and the exercise thing can be a slippery slope. For me I truly think it’s beneficial for the most part but sometimes those body image thoughts still kick in. Thanks for sharing run Yoda . I really appreciate you. Hope to catch you at an ultra one day.

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author

Thanks and take care ❤️

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Apr 7Liked by Sarah Lavender Smith

Thank you Sarah for this essay. Like you, I’ve seen how easy it is to fall into negative self-talk as soon as life doesn’t conform exactly to my running plans. What’s amazing is that these are exceptions, yet they can occupy so much valuable mental space. But it’s all a matter of perspective. Nowadays, I remind myself that the most important part of my running is to keep doing it. From that point of view, any minor day-to-day setback is okay, as long as I maintain the practice.

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Thanks for reading and for the reminder to keep at it!

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Apr 6Liked by Sarah Lavender Smith

Great post! Glad you had a great trip with your family!!

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Apr 5Liked by Sarah Lavender Smith

Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for talking about being too rigid in training. It is so easy to fall into that pattern and then feel stuck! I’m (hopefully) about to begin running again after a 10+ year hiatus (13 hip and pelvis surgeries and a final child thrown in for good measure) and came to appreciate this extended time off to reflect on things like my own highly rigid training habits. My initial viewpoint of “OMG how can I take time off to fix my body??” turned into “well, I will come back without all of these years of wear and tear on my body, AND a full appreciation for the beauty of what my body will be able to do, sans the pressure of rigidity.” Blessings abound. GO out and breathe and enjoy what is around and the ability to even be out there! See you at the CO 24-hour!!

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Thank you so much for reading and for sharing your experience. Bravo for coming back after a decade. That’s great you will also be in Fort Collins in November at the 24 hour!

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Apr 5Liked by Sarah Lavender Smith

Thank you! Yes, I’m putting together a celebratory team since a solo effort would be too much yet. Totally out for the fun and friendships and to cheer everyone else on!

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Apr 3Liked by Sarah Lavender Smith

I love running as a tourist. I just don't "tourist" much or often:)

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Apr 3Liked by Sarah Lavender Smith

Running like a tourist is the best :)

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