I think it can be safely said that Anna not running is like Anna without apples: not a happy bunny. I’m grumpy and I’m surly. Yes I know I’m being pathetic and yes I know the bigger picture is way more important. Let me wallow in my self-indulgent pit of woe-is-me for a little longer.
I haven’t run since Sunday 
That’s a lifetime ago. OK, no it’s not. But it feels like it is. But the rational side of my brain knows five days is just five days and not five weeks or five months. I know I am very lucky not to be out of the game for longer. I know I’m being melodramatic.
And let’s be serious here, this can only be a good thing.
You only have one body. You only have one set of muscles. You only have one set of bones. Treat it well.
Can you hear the desperation in my voice text trying to convince myself this is a good thing? Do you believe me? No neither do I. So let’s go back to glaring at every runner I see, convinced they’re doing it to annoy me.
As I can’t run, I might as well bore you death indulge in a bit of survey fun on running from the lovely OliveToRun blog.
#1. Would you rather bike 100 miles or run 100 miles?
What do you think? Obviously run. Though 100 miles is a fairly epic. Maybe 20 would be run, 80 would be walked and progressively changes into crawling.
#2. Wear TOO many clothes and then have to carry them because it’s too hot or wear TOO little clothes and endure a little coldness?
Hmmm ordinarily in every day life I’d always rather be too hot than cold. I hate feeling cold. But with running, however bad the first initial start is I always know within a few minutes I’ll be toasty and warm in a cocoon of sweat. So less is more for me when running. But gloves are always essential in winter. And a hat when it’s really bad.
#3. Would you rather run without your GPS or without your Music?
I’d run without music. I’m a numbers kinda girl and love seeing the splits and stats when I’ve finished because I’m sad like that.
So true. Especially when you’re just hanging around outside your house.
The other week I was running and my Garmin told me my lap database was full (OK, I did ignore the previous 10 warnings leading up to this) and then just stopped. Gave up on me. DNF. So annoying. It was like my run didn’t exist in the running universe.
I need to get me one of these!
#4. Would you rather run socially or run competitively?
Tough. I love races and I love club running where I run with other people in a more relaxed way. Hmmm. Though I’m a competitive person through and through so I guess I’ll take races!
#5. Would you rather start a race in the front or in the back?
I prefer the front. Not because I stand a chance at winning but because I like to start fast and not be held back. It stresses me out to be hemmed in by people. Though obviously this means I get overtaken a fair bit…I like to remember a couple of people who overtake me so later I can try and catch them again.
#6. Would you rather run a race to raise money for a charity or in remembrance of someone?
Either. I think both are a great thing to do. Money to a charity is always good as it’s helping in a tangible way.
This was ages ago – 2011 I think when Ben and I did the 5k Great South Run. We raised money for Alzheimer’s Society (this year we’re running the full 10 mile race)
#7. Would you rather have an awful race experience and PR or have the time of your life and NOT PR?
Time of your life and not PR. Hands down every time. I know I go on a lot about my recent PBs (not peanut butter –> personal best 
) but there will always be a chance to try and beat your PB in another race. I prefer to enjoy the experience. I run because I love it. If I stop loving it I stop running.
#8. Would you rather run on the right side of the road during a race or the left?
I run in the middle…? I’m a trail blazer I joke…I have no idea.
#9. Would you rather shower and take a nap after a long run/race or shower and be productive?
After running I am wired. On a Saturday after a long run or Parkrun I come back and eat and then power through all the chores with a crazy amount of energy coursing through my veins. It isn’t until I sit down with a coffee that I’m like “jeeze I am shattered”. I also never take naps.
#10. Run with your significant other or your friends?
I love running with my husband but at the moment it’s just not ideal. We both have different paces. No disrespect to him at all, but if I want an easy run I’ll run with him but then that’s a hard run for him so it helps pace him. I’ve been running a lot longer than he has so it’s fair enough I suppose. He is quickly gaining on me though.
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Your turn: answer some of the above questions!
I think the most interesting question is the PB/PR one and enjoyment. This has been a big thing for me lately to realise that times are not everything. When you start caring too much the enjoyment just goes down. It’s important to not take things so seriously!
If you’re not a runner: why the heck not what’s your passion? What can’t you live without? What would send you into a spiral of despair if you could no longer do it?
I think 2011 was when I did the Great South run! 🙂 Although we got stuck in a car park for about 3 hours after, so was not a good experience!
I never thought I would be able to run without music/ podcasts, but now I like runs where it is just me, or when I run with other people.
Oh god, 3 hours?? That sucks. I feel I need to apologise on behalf of Portsmouth (being my home town)…
Aw sorry you haven’t been able to run! Such a bummer. That shirt is hilarious though 😉
I love it and definitely need one!
Fun would you rather post! I have to say that I am quite pleased with your answer to to #7. I feel like things just lose their meaning when we can’t enjoy them!
Exactly, I’m not an athlete or running for my living so it really should be about enjoyment after all.
Oh I can feel your pain, like I said I’ve been out with injury twice and sobbed my heart out at the time, you are doing the right thing resting! I agree, definitely enjoyment over the PB every time 🙂
Injuries suck. I completely understand why you’d be upset!
It’s really horrid having a running injury as you normally get them when you the full throes of the passion, and then suddenly you can’t even though your mind is raring to go – I hated it when I had to rest post-injury when I initially over trained out of excitement, but I’m so glad I did as it seems to have not caused any long term damage 🙂 So yes, I hope the 5 days pass quickly!
I’m glad you wrote that about PBs – as a relatively new runner, I still haven’t ‘gotten’ the obsession with PBs, but know that once it hits I’ll be addicted… Am thankfully doing some races this summer which aren’t timed so it’ll all be about the atmosphere and enjoying running instead of watch checking 🙂
Hope your ITB gets better soon!
That’s so very true about being in the “throes of the passion”. And it really sucks!
Definitey enjoy the race rather than focusing on times or place of finishing. I ran a race the other day purely to take part and enjoy it with my hubby – I wasn’t running it for a PB. And both my hubby and I loved it.
Aw you poor thing, it’s obvious that your injury is driving you nuts! Better to rest (and climb the walls) and heal though. x
Hehe thanks 🙂 It’s definitely almost 100% now hurrah!!