Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable

When people first find out I like to run, they often say things such as "I hate to run" or "I wish I could run but I tried it and just couldn't do it" or other similar comments.  They often say it is just too hard.  If I ask a few more questions about their running, it is almost always the case that they are running at a pace that is simply not sustainable for any length of time and leaves them out of breath and miserable.

If they ask me for advice, I usually tell them to start by slowing down and running at a pace where they are comfortable enough to carry on a conversation fairly easily.  I really do believe that so many people who claim to hate running are simply trying to run too fast.  And by slowing down, they may find they actually enjoy running and will become a runner themselves.

Anyone who has been running for any period of time most likely has that pace where they feel they could run for hours on end, enjoying a conversation with a fellow runner friend as if they were both sitting in a coffee shop or out for a drink.  I know I have that pace...that pace where 30 seconds faster feels too fast and 30 seconds slower feels to slow.  My nice, comfortable pace.

I also have found myself running many, many miles on the treadmill over the past few years.  If it is raining or cold or dark outside...to the treadmill I go.  We have a TV in our "gym" that has Netflix and I have wireless headphones so I can listen without having to blast the volume.  There are windows I can open to help control the temperature, a window ledge for my water bottle within an arm's reach and a bathroom a mere 30 feet away.  I am definitely very comfortable running on the treadmill.

Is there anything wrong with wanting to be comfortable?!

Not necessarily.  My problem is that I find myself wanting to be comfortable way too often.  If I'm not training for a specific race, I don't ever push the pace on my runs.  I don't venture outside in the rain or cold or heat.  I don't run long distances.  And, as a result, I don't grow and improve as a runner and I miss out on so many opportunities.

I am currently in the midst of training for the Boston marathon.  This will be the first spring marathon I have ever run and, consequently, the first time I have had to do 20 mile runs in the middle of winter.  In order to be prepared for Boston, I need to run hills (the incline on our treadmill doesn't work well) and I need to run outside and experience the pounding of the pavement on my legs.  I also need to be incorporating more speedwork -- tempo runs, track workouts and strides.

All this means that I have forced myself outside of my comfort zone many times already the past couple of months -- into the rain, the wind, the cold, the snow and onto the track for 800's and mile repeats.  I have dreaded some of these runs, such as yesterday's when the temp was in the high 20's and snow flakes were swirling in the air and I had a tough 10 miler scheduled.

What I have found the past couple of months has surprised me.  I have actually enjoyed being uncomfortable.  I have loved the feeling of pushing myself and feeling my body respond...of slipping and sliding on a snowy trail but sticking with it for the entire run...of feeling the cool rain soak me to the core while realizing I have a huge grin on my face...of timing myself on my 800's and seeing those times dropping.

I am learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.  

And, even better, I am enjoying it!  My "comfortable" pace continues to drop as a result of the work I'm putting in each day.  The dread of heading outside in tough conditions has almost disappeared as I know how much I'll love being outside once I get going.  In order to get my run in this morning, I had to run on the treadmill while the kids were still sleeping and I found myself wishing I could be outside in the dark and cold.

As I was thinking about how much I've grown the last few weeks, I realized how much this lesson applies to not just running but life in general.  So many people avoid situations that make them uncomfortable.  They steer clear of settings where they will find themselves with people of a different religion or race or sexual preference or socioeconomic status.  Or they avoid trying something new or taking a risk with something that is outside of their comfort zone.

Being uncomfortable doesn't have to be overly challenging or painful or difficult. In my case, it was as simple as getting outside for a run in the rain. Or pushing the pace when normally I wouldn't. For others, it could be as simple as taking that first step...whether that is the first step of a run or the first step in making a change in their lives or embracing someone different than ourselves.

Do you have a comfortable pace?  In what way do you push yourself out of your comfort zone, either in running or in life?

- Kristen

26 comments:

  1. I love this post! It very much describes how I feel about running the marathon in general. My "marathon pace" used to be so easy and comfortable. As I've grown as a runner these past few years all my race paces have sped up and even now- my "easy" marathon pace is not as easy as it once was. I like to think of it as running comfortably uncomfortable. :-) I still have to think about it but it's not too fast- or too slow. Does that make sense?

    I most definitely have my comfortable pace and I try to make myself stay in it on my "easy" days so that my hard days can be hard.

    I'm excited to read about your Boston training! I will be running my first Boston too! It's been a race 4 years in the making for me. I qualified for the first time in '09 and never dreamed it would take this long to actually get there! I hope your training to continues to go well. Great job pushing through even in tough weather!

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    1. I definitely think I need to work on pushing myself even further as my "marathon pace" is still comfortable for me (when I'm running only 10 miles or so). Seems like it should be a little harder, right? I think my marathon pace should be a little faster so that it is comfortably uncomfortable, as you said!

      I'll friend you now that you have talked me into joining Daily Mile. :)

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  2. You ROCK Kristen. I love your posts.

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    1. Megan, you of all people know about being uncomfortable!!! I can't even imagine what it takes to run a 100 mile race. That must be unbelievably uncomfortable not just physically but mentally as well. You are an inspiration for me when I think I'm "uncomfortable"! And thanks for the kind words. :)

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  3. Good post for thinking on here Kristen. I love your thoughts. I'm thinking on this right now and for the evening. I'll let you know if I come up with some definite answers/insights to these questions you ask. Definitely things I could push myself in more. Oh, and yes for sure a comfortable pace. Right now, no matter what, my body just wants to setting right around the same pace range. This is good for aerobic runs so I'm fine with that. But Pushing myself faster for longer...this is where I will need to push past some comfort levels.

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    1. In life, I know you are choosing to be uncomfortable by moving to NC. How easy it would be to just stay here in Portland, where everything is so comfortable! But I am curious to know if you have other areas where you think you need to push yourself more -- you seem to be doing a lot already as it is!

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  4. What a fantastic post - and one that I needed when I first started running and said it was *too hard* and that I couldn't do it!
    I'm in the process and learning everyday it's OK to be uncomfortable and it's OK t push yourself a little bit - because more likely than not, our bodies can handle it!

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    1. You are so right -- our bodies definitely CAN handle it! It is our minds that need the convincing, huh?!

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  5. I always love your posts.

    When I started running, every run was comfortable. For years I ran "comfortably." It wasn't until I met Angela and she was training for an Ironman that I learned how to push myself. She took me through a series of repeats and I was terrified. Over time, I realized that it was okay to make myself out of breath and uncomfortable. It made me faster and stronger. Now, I am completely comfortable with the uncomfortable, but man, it took awhile!

    Running is a great metaphor for life, right? That's why running blogs are so great. When I moved away from everyone I know back home in Chicago to a city that I'd never, ever visited, I learned how to be comfortable with discomfort. :) And since then, I make a point to continually step outside of my comfort zone. I think it's essential for personal growth.

    Love your words -- as always.

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    1. This time around (with marathon training) certainly won't be the first time I've incorporated speedwork but it is the first time I've really braved (and embraced) the elements as much as I have been doing. Even as far as the speedwork, though, I really have a different attitude towards it and am no longer seeing it as something to just "get through". I'm really getting comfortable with it, which is definitely new for me. So fun that you had Angela there to push you!

      Running is absolutely such a good metaphor for life. I really was planning to write about running (for once, finally!) and it wasn't until near the end of the post that I really started thinking about how good it is for people to be uncomfortable in other areas of their lives.

      Love your words, too, Kate!

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  6. Relevant to so many aspects my life right now. What I love about running is that it does provide the opportunity for so many experiences; a comfortable run with a buddy, or a challenging pace in the pursuit of a new PR. I am also experiencing consistent winter running in the outdoors as I train for a half this April. It is a different experience, certainly, but has made me feel so strong! Best of luck with the marathon training.

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    1. I agree completely that running provides so many experiences -- I don't think there are many emotions that I haven't experienced at least once while running. And I have to admit, I'm really starting to LOVE this winter running! Today's run was in the low 30's (cold for Portland but warm for you in Toronto!!) and I had the best run. Good luck with your half training.

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  7. Oh, Kristen, this is right up my alley. I am often too comfortable in many areas of my life, but at the same time I crave change. I know how much change can allow someone to grow. I know how much pushing the limits opens doors to paths we had no idea were hiding out there. ... In running, in life, in relationships.... so much! Great post. Sorry I'm late to the game. Had a sick boy at home, which always puts things on pause for a little while. Keep pushing!

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    1. Did your boy have the flu?? Hope it doesn't get passed around your house, whatever it was! Yes, so great how we can grow so much just from pushing ourselves in all areas of our lives. Couldn't agree more, Tayarra! Hope you have a great weekend. :)

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  8. I've always had trouble pushing the pace when training for a race. Living in Portland has helped with this, because the weather here is pretty awful much of the year :) Finding the motivation to get out in the weather has in turn, helped push me out of my comfort zone more often. Then, a funny thing happens: All of the sudden you realize that the awful weather really is kind of nice and refreshing at times! It's cool and drizzly and really a pretty perfect running environment, as it turns out. I think that's helped me with my training because when I start doing mile repeats or whatever other torture I plan for myself, I realize that if I'm out in this weather, I might as well do the training! I think you really nailed it, because I think that becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable is what distance running... and life really are all about. Afterall, the reward after a struggle makes it all worth it!

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    1. I never would have thought I would enjoy winter running as much as I have the past couple of months! And you are so right about the cool and drizzly weather being perfect for running. I actually have a very hard time running in the heat because I really don't sweat much and I really overheat. This cool, rainy or every really cold weather is so comfortable for me as long as I'm dressed for it! Do you run barefoot even when the weather dips in the 20's??

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    2. I just saw your reply, sorry! I need to make sure I have you on my blog list that way I can know when you respond :) No I typically don't run barefoot when it dips below 40, I think the coldest temp was 35 :) It can definitely be done, it just takes patience with a warm up before taking the shoes off. Admittedly, I've been slacking on my barefooting since December. I've mostly been wearing VFFs when it's been this cold. I wear Injinji socks with the shoes too, especially when I'm trail running in winter. It really seems to help with the moisture inside the shoes with the rain! I hope you and Kate have a great time with your back to back marathons, sounds like so much fun!!

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  9. Gosh, I really enjoyed this post. Got me thinking in many ways!

    Yes, I definitely have a comfortable pace-It's SLOW right now and I'm coming to terms with that-ha!

    I remember training for Boston in 2010. It was my 2nd marathon and my first ever real training cycle. It was the first time I had EVER run a single step in snow or attempted to do any runs through a Minnesota winter. I hated being cold and I'd never run in the dark!! I got my fix of it that winter and as uncomfortable as it was to get out there at times, I grew to love it on many levels! Felt so accomplished after I would push through a long run in that and often found myself craving getting out there!!! Like you, I also introduced more speedowork. I ran a PR.

    I stepped out of my comfort zone last summer to run track races. I hate track races. I would rather have a Root Canal than line up on a track to race and every part of me dreaded doing this but after week one, it turned out that I actually enjoyed being out there! I loved how encouraging the "fast" girls were and I just loved the community of runners. I ran a PR in all my fall races.

    "I am learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable." It CAN be done! You're doing awesome!

    As far as real life, I've found myself pushing out of my comfort zone a lot the last year. I'm generally a very private person. Social but I rarely open up my feelings to others:) I've taken some risks there this past year. Established some pretty special friendships as a result.

    Really excited to see how your training goes! I'm flying to Boston to spectate this year! Took the year off for myself but can't wait to be on the sidelines and in the atmosphere just the same!! Good luck to you the next few months!

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    1. I can't imagine training through a Minnesota winter -- I think Portland is plenty cold for me. :) And track races are still way out of my comfort zone. Ha! But it sounds like it all has paid off for you with gaining confidence in running track races, setting PR's and meeting new runners.

      I hope to meet you in Boston. Amanda mentioned that you would be there, too, and I have loved getting to know her over the past few months. Thanks so much for the good wishes and I look forward to following your running as well!!

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  10. I love love LOVE this post! I definitely find myself getting all cozy in my comfort zone! That's one of the reasons I hired a coach for my spring marathon training cycle. I know she'll push me just enough. I always tell my kids that it's important to try things and that after they do, if they truly don't like it they never have to have it/do it again. I forget this for myself far too often and wind up in litte ruts. While I'll probably never want to run a stormy marathon again (aka CIM 2012) I do love the feeling of toughness after a crazy weather run :) And readingyour posts always inspires and motivates me, so thank you for pushing out of YOUR comfort zone!

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    1. I think you will love having a coach! I love the accountability that comes with having to report back the details of my run, paces, etc. I had to run 8 x 800's today and it was a HUGE mental battle for me to do them all. I was going to quit after 2 and then after 4, etc. but made it through all 8.

      Your race report on CIM made me never want to run a marathon in a storm so I don't blame you for crossing that one off your list! :)

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  11. I don't mind being uncomfortable (I own a pair of Fivefingers), but I have my limits. I can only have so many things bothering me on a run before it just isn't fun anymore. I know what you mean though - I love the thrill of knowing that the pain is a sign of improvement.

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    1. I can certainly appreciate the fact that not every run is going to be fun or fill me with endorphins! But I have pushed through enough tough runs that have ended with me feeling great to know it is usually worth it in the end. And, yes, we definitely grow stronger after the pain wears off. :)

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  12. You have your finger on why some people don't like running. I think they go too fast too. And maybe it's because they don't want to be out of their comfort zone, or do something they think they won't be good at. I can identify with that! I don't work on cars because I don't want to and don't think I'd be good at it :)

    Good for you for taking things outside. I find the joy in the variety that you can see while out on a run. It would be hard for me to stay on a treadmill! Nice work with your training . I enjoyed hearing about it today.

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    1. Your pictures of the amazing places where you get to run in southern Oregon are enough to make me want to run outside!

      Thanks so much for your advice on HR training. I still need to do more research/reading but it is nice to know I'm on the right track. :)

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  13. What an awesome post! So true! It is so easy to get into the zone and just cruise, without challenging ourselves . And we miss out on so much growth as a result.

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