First of all, how in the world is it already the end of March? What’s going on? Time is just flying by. As always on the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up with Marcia and her “runfessional.” Since I haven’t been running as much lately, I’ve had extra time to ponder some Great Truths. I know… you wish I would stick to my usual topics of the weather and digestive issues. Well, this time we’re going deep- let’s get started!
So… I have to runfess that I’ve been feeling pretty down lately. I blamed it on not being able to do my birthday long run, but I think the problem is bigger than that. Running is how I experience the outdoors. I always love my long runs because they’re my weekly adventures. While I’m grateful that I’m able to run at all, three mile runs around my neighborhood- in the early morning darkness- aren’t very exciting.
The chapter I just finished in Pema Chodron’s Welcoming the Unwelcome is called “Beyond the Comfort Zone.” She shows this model describing the process of growth:
We’re naturally drawn to the Comfort Zone. The Learning/Challenge Zone is where growth occurs, and the Excessive Risk Zone is to be avoided as too risky to encourage growth. I started thinking: “When was the last time I got out of my comfort zone?”
As a matter of fact, I can’t remember the last time I did much of anything at all, other than the usual work, runs, and Peloton classes. This past weekend was spent binge watching old episodes of Spring Baking Championship on Discovery Plus, while sitting on the couch with a huge bowl of popcorn.
The funny thing is, the whole point of the comfort zone is to make you feel better, but the longer you stay there, the worse you feel.
I decided I needed to do something, anything to get myself out of this rut. So I searched up races, and picked the weirdest one I could find. It’s a 5K trail run to benefit the Solid Waste Authority. It was a little hard to convince my husband- I think it sounded like we were going to be running through a huge garbage dump or something- but I signed us both up.
According to the website, “The Run AWAY 5K is a unique race that takes participants AWAY through cabbage palms, cypress hammocks, marshes and lush pine flat woods, with glimpses of Grassy Waters Preserve and the Renewable Energy Park.”
That sounds pretty good! I hope we get a t-shirt that says “Solid Waste Authority” on it. The race is April 3rd, and- to make it further outside my comfort zone- it’s over an hour away and starts at 7:30 am. Neither one of us is in shape to actually race a 5K- I haven’t done any real speedwork in about two years- but it will be a new experience.
I’m feeling better already! Hopefully my foot will hold up to some faster running… I’ll find out. But I can’t just continue to sit around and wait for my foot to be 100% healed before I can enjoy life again. I have to get out there and do what I can with the limitations I have right now.
The “Run Away” 5K is a perfect start.
What do you take refuge in for your comfort zone? – We all need to be in our comfort zone sometimes.
If you find yourself in a rut, how do you get out of your comfort zone?
28 Responses
I’m sorry you’ve been feeling down. I hope you and your hubby have a blast at the 5k and it is out of your comfy zone in the best way. When something’s out of my comfort zone, I can feel the fear. Like when I made myself learn to swim well enough to do a tri. It was AWFUL but I’m glad I did it!
It’s funny you mention that because I felt like one of my triathons (I did three, back in the day) went over into the “Excessive risk” zone! Ocean swims are HARD.
I runfess that I googled your race because I am DYING to see what the shirt looks like. I cannot wait for you to run it and tell us every last detail. Races are fun and a great way to shake things up.
Before I moved in with my husband, I lived in an area that was not very runable. I really couldn’t get more than a mile away from my house, and I would have to loop the same streets many times on each run. There were days when I just wanted to scream out of boredom at running the same streets over and over again. Where we live now I have much more variety, but every once in a while I do get burned out on my short run options.
Oh, I’ll be writing a race recap for sure!
Usually I feel pretty lucky with the running options where we live- but lately I’ve just been doing the same thing. I also don’t like running in the dark!
Good for you on stepping outside the Zone. Doing my first marathon was a major comfort zone violation, but that also sparked an interest in taking on other challenges (like overnight ultras, a duathlon, and numerous stair climbing events. As for the popcorn…well, with all the basketball I’ve been indulging in lately, popcorn has been my main source of nutrition, LOL.
Ha! Well, I do think popcorn has antioxidants- so there’s that.
You seem like a person who consistently gets out of your comfort zone- at least that’s the part of you that comes out on the blog!
I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling so down! I am really glad to know that you’ve got a goal now and something to look forward to. I think I linger in my comfort zone way too much, but I’m always happy when I push it a little.
SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY. That’s tremendous!
Yes, it should be an interesting race! It’s definitely making me feel better to have this coming up. Yes, it can be hard but I always feel better if I push out of my comfort zone.
Oh my gosh, I love how you picked this race. I hope it is awesome.
I’m sorry you are in a funk. I feel sort of the same way, and I blame covid. I literally need to get out more, including getting out of my comfort zone more. 😉
Yes, Covid could be a part of it too! I think maybe we all got a little too used to sitting home doing nothing.
That is me to a T. When I am stressed or down, I sign up for a race lol.
You are thinking that I must be pretty sad… sometimes yes
Anyway, I hope this does the trick.
But I get it. I love my long runs. I get to be outdoors and experience nature for more than a half hour! You will get there. Patience!!
Thank you Darlene! You’re right, I have to have patience.
I had to laugh at your comment- yes, I hope you’re not sad every time you sign up for a race! I would be worried about you.
I’m sorry things have felt like “rut” territory, lately, Jenny. I’ve been there…often.
What good points about the potential pitfalls of sticking inside a comfort zone long-term. Gretchen Rubin talks about happiness occuring in an atmosphere of growth and I’m slowly learning to agree with that. I do think that even getting out of a comfort zone in one area (saying hello to a new person, trying a new food, switching up an exercise routine can be enough…even moving out of one area of a comfort zone can be enough to feel like there is enough challenge to be motivating). Such a balance though, for me, as I really need a lot of down time (which is hard to come by with work, kids, marriage, friends etc)!
It’s an interesting thought- maybe some people (introverts like me) need more comfort zone time? I think I do in general, and it’s a little harder for me to push myself out of it. That’s also a good point about an atmosphere of growth- it can mean different things to different people. Hmmm! Food for thought.
I am starting to spread out and do some new things that I haven’t done since the start of Covid – I went to a conference earlier this week (that involved eating lunch! with strangers! with no mask!). Tonight we have plans to actually hang out with some friends. We’re leaving the house and that’s actually new for us. It is making things slightly less repetitive and comfort zone-ish.
Yes, I would agree that you’re getting out of your comfort zone! It’s probably slightly scary but also feels good.
Sometimes I stay in my comfort zone, sometimes I definitely push myself way outside of it. I might kinda be doing that soon. Well, nothing I haven’t done, really, but a new take on some things. We’ll see.
I actually do think that a constant need to push out of the comfort zone is over hyped. I know I’m in the minority there! But neither do I think anyone should become a couch potato.
I love that your husband races with you!
I agree that there shouldn’t be a constant need to get out of your comfort zone- but it’s also easy to get stuck there, and that’s what was happening to me. I’m interested to see what your new project is!
comfort zones are a funny thing. I am a creature of habit and I love that I find comfort in that. I also like to challenge and push myself as well. your race sounds fun and different and I love that your hubs is running with you. Have a great time!
Yes, from your blog I would say you do things out of your comfort zone. It’s all about balance- we all need our comfort zones some of the time!
I get it. I can’t run like I used to. The trails have been a lifesaver for me and even if I walk the whole time or even part of the time, I always feel better. They also push me out of my comfort zone and challenge me every time, whether I’m walking or running. I hope you find a place like that. Good luck with your race!
Thank you Wendy! I haven’t given up on road racing (yet) but trails are definitely the answer for a lot of people. I think you have more trails close to you than I do- but I’ll figure it out.
Comfort zoes can be very uncomfortable!
Good luck with the race.
Almost did a 5K in the stadium in Boca. FAU maybe? But it didn’t work out. Sometimes those randoms are the best
Yes, that race was probably FAU- that does sound random and it would have been fun!
This is oh-so-true: the longer you stay in your comfort zone, the worse you feel. I think the pandemic has clearly exacerbated that situation.
It’s definitely time and helps to push yourself out of your comfort zones every once in a while and hopefully, we’ll be able to do this a little more moving forward.
Signing up for that race sounded like a great first step to get something on the calendar…. ANYTHING! I can’t wait to hear all about it. 🙂
Thanks San! I’ll definitely tell you guys how it goes.
I am so happy that you and your husband signed up for a 5K – I’m sure not having consistent races to do over the past few years has made things tough on runners. I’m glad they’re coming back.
I definitely love sitting in my comfort zone, but there is something to be said about pushing ourselves to grow and try new things, especially things we don’t feel as if we are capable enough to do. I feel that way with work a lot and it’s so gratifying when I do something that feels out of reach for me and excel at it. It makes you wonder what ELSE you can achieve, but you’re letting self-limiting thoughts hold you back?
Thanks for another insightful post, Jenny!
Thank you Stephany! You’re lucky you have a job that pushes you outside your comfort zone- it’s definitely a good feeling.