This post is dedicated to all runners who ever have had a bad run. Some will tell you to get over a bad run by taking an extra rest day, getting a massage, or running harder/faster/longer the next time. But I am going to tell you how one of my favorite childhood poems helps me get over a bad run.
There Was A Little Girl
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
There was a little girl,
Who had a little curl,
Right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good,
She was very good indeed,
But when she was bad she was horrid.
When I heard this poem as a child, I pictured myself as the little girl, although with my fine straight hair I was jealous of her little curl.These days, this poem makes me think of running, and helps me get over a bad run.
A good run, is “very good indeed.”A good run can burn off a lot of stress, send endorphins surging through my body, and clear my badly cluttered head. A good run can help me appreciate the simple pleasures of a pretty sunrise or a cooling rain. A good run can mean making new friends and catching up with dear ones.
But, like the little girl, a bad run can be “horrid.” A bad run is hard to push through, and can cast a cloud over a whole day. A bad run can bring injury that ruins future plans. A bad run can bring disappointment that grows into doubt.
Thinking of this poem when I experience a bad run helps me put it in perspective. I remember that like a little girl having a temper tantrum, sometimes you need to have a bad run to get it out of your system. Usually the next run is very good indeed–even if only in contrast to the bad one!
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Are there poems you remember from your childhood?
How do you shake off a bad run?
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Great poem reference. I usually just get really pissed off at myself for a few days after a bad run. Sometimes it’s hard to put it into perspective but I try to remember 1 run doesn’t define you.
How do I get over a bad run? Good question….I just keep at it until I have a good one…or I eat ALL the food, I’m an emotional eater.
Yeah, I sometimes eat all-the-food and then hope I’ve just carbo-loaded for a great run. 😉
I like your poem analogy. I think getting over a bad run for me depends on what my expectations were going into the run – the higher the expectations the harder it can be to shake it off.
I always loved the “old lady who lived in a shoe” poem (story?). Even at a tender young age I felt sorry for that woman.
Love how you use this poem. I just try to remind myself that good runs wouldn’t seem so awesome without the bad ones…
I never get upset over bad runs. Every run is a struggle for me and if I get myself up and out the door to do it, then hey, it was a success!
Great perspective!
I try to remind myself that they cannot all be good and move on.
HaHa – I do remember that poem and love the idea of replacing the little girl with running.
The best way to get over a bad run is to run again! It can only get better!
I don’t think I have ever had one….I am just glad I get to get out there and move when I can!