What if I Stop Running?
It's been a tough few years for me as a runner: Crohn's problems, knee surgery, a busy job. After 22 half marathons, four marathons, and dozens of 5ks and 10ks in 13 years, I've slowed down significantly in the last two years. At first I thought it was just a motivational crisis, but as I try desperately to get back to at least half marathon shape, I find myself struggling seemingly beyond simply motivation. The last few months I've been wondering: what happens if I stop running? What if I stop trying to get back to half marathon shape? What if I stop stressing about the fact that I'm not in shape to run more than a 5k? What if I just don't want to run more than 3.1 miles? Isn't that okay? I miss race day. I miss lining up with thousands of people and the buzz of a starting line. But I can get that with a decent 5k, and my body will be happier with me. In the last few months I've been boxing and cross training. I'm not as skinny as I was when I