I hate not training for a marathon

Last year at this time, I was so pumped for the Marine Corps Marathon, but I had time before my training would officially start, so I just ran what I liked, which was a 5 mile out-and-back almost every day. This was before I became hard core and found all the awesome paths that are currently covered in beautiful wildflowers (including the breath-taking bluebells). And now that the marathon has been over and I really have any marathons I'm signed up for, I really miss running for a purpose. Also, I'm afraid of burning out.

I went for a nine mile run yesterday, and had to reign myself back to campus or else I would have just kept going. The weather is so perfect, the trail is at its peak beauty, and I really need a break form work, so I just want to run and run and run. But I don't want to have to replace my knees at age 40.

So, I'm looking for a new running schedule, but all the "off season" schedules are too short (I wouldn't even make it to the path!)So I don't know what to do. Maybe it's time I get a new hobby.

I guess once you do distance running you cant go back.

I've been told that I never do anything in moderation.

I start drinking coffee, and I'm drinking 10 cups a day. I start drawing, and I sit in my room for two years and draw crappy manga. I drink tea, and I go through a box a week. I start a project, and I do nothing else for days. I hear a song that I like and I just play it on repeat for days and days. And then I get sick of all these things and move on to something else.

And that's one of the reasons that I do run-- because I've been running since I was in sixth grade, and I do it almost every single day, and I'm good at it and it keeps me sane. So that's why its so hard for me to try to accept that I need time off before my legs fall apart.

Anyways, I know this isnt as upbeat as a post as normal, it's just that I've come to an important realization about myself and I wonder how it affects other aspects of my life.

Not good for a Monday.