One thing I’ve learned over the years is that just when you think you’ve found your running groove, something shifts. Maybe it’s your goals, your schedule, your body, or even your favorite running shoes.

Lately, I’ve been doing a little experimenting, adjusting, and figuring things out as I go. Some things are clicking, while others are still very much a work in progress.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I thought I’d share five things I’m currently figuring out about my running.

5 Running Lessons in Progress

Finding My Faster Gear Again — I’ve recently started incorporating a little speedwork into my runs, and I have to say, it’s been fun to mix things up! After spending so much time focused on rebuilding my endurance, adding some faster-paced intervals feels like a new challenge. I’m certainly not setting any land speed records, but it’s been nice to push the pace a bit and see what these legs can do.

The Great Running Shoe Debate — Of course, bringing speedwork back into the mix has me rethinking my shoe rotation. I’ve been logging most of my miles in the Saucony Paramount Max, and while I appreciate the cushioning, I’m finding that they feel a little too soft when I want to pick up the pace. I’m craving a bit more responsiveness and energy return.

In the past, I always kept at least two pairs of running shoes in rotation, so perhaps it’s time to get back to that approach. Enter the Saucony Endorphin Speed! I just received a pair and am looking forward to seeing if they deliver the spring I’ve been looking for — Stay tuned!

Knowing When to Back Off — As much as I’m enjoying finding a little more speed, I’m also being reminded that knowing when not to run is just as important. My IT band recently decided to get a little cranky, so I took a couple of days off to give it a chance to settle down.

I’ll admit that taking an unplanned break isn’t always my favorite thing, especially when I’m feeling good about my running. But I’ve learned that trying to push through every little niggle doesn’t usually end well. My first run back was encouraging, and I’m hoping things continue in that direction. In the meantime, I’m paying attention to what my body is telling me.

Rethinking Mobility and Movement — Strength training has long been part of my approach to running, but lately I’ve been thinking more about mobility and how well my body moves. Coaching Girls on the Run has certainly brought this into focus. Watching a group of third graders effortlessly pop up from the floor during circle time while I take a slightly less graceful approach has been humbling! 😂

I want to give more attention to moving freely and comfortably, not just building strength, so I’m exploring ways to incorporate more mobility work into my routine. I haven’t settled on exactly what that will look like yet, but I know it’s something I want to prioritize.

Letting Go of the “Old Me” Comparison Game — As much as I’ve been enjoying the return to speedwork, I’ll admit it’s also brought out a little comparison with my former running self. Every now and then, I catch myself thinking about the paces I used to run or how certain workouts once felt so much easier. It’s funny how quickly those thoughts can creep in, even when I’m feeling good about where I am now.

Of course, I know comparing today’s running to what I was doing years ago isn’t particularly helpful. A lot has changed, and I’ve worked hard to get back to this point. But knowing something and actually putting it into practice are two different things! As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. And I certainly don’t want to diminish what I’m accomplishing now by constantly measuring it against what I used to do.
I’m learning to appreciate the runner I was without letting her overshadow the runner I am today.

So yes, I’m still learning, experimenting, and adjusting. And after all these years of running, I think that’s a good thing. Our running journeys aren’t static. What worked a few years ago — or even a few months ago — may not be what we need today.

How about you? Is there anything you’re currently figuring out in your running or fitness journey?

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