mindfirerunner

You know how sometimes you just want to go for a run to get away from everything? Why is it that this is the time we tend to fill our minds with a thousand different thoughts, conversations we’ve had, problems we try to work through, ideas we want to explore, and a general realm of mindless things? I might be the only one on the road at 4AM in my little town, but sometimes I find there’s a whole population running through my head.

Part of me thinks I tend to do this because it’s dark and I’ve created my own coping mechanism with running alone in the dark, but most of me knows it’s because I’m a woman, and quite simply this is what we do. I find I get a lot accomplished with my thoughts during this time, but in retrospect I have lost the ability to simply get…well, lost.

I’m the worst when it comes to multi-tasking; not because I can’t, but because I’ve become so good at it that I have an extremely difficult time slowing down. There will continue to be times when my head is an overpopulated place, but I’m working on making a few runs with a population of one.

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I never thought I’d say I actually enjoy time off from running, but I did appreciate sleeping in a bit and having extra time in my mornings this week. I’ve forgotten what life is like when I’m not getting up two hours before everyone else just to get some quiet time and a good run in. I explored other things in hopes of being able to shut off the world around me, even if only for a few minutes. I took solace in the hours I lay awake at night, did a little yoga, and even some meditation. I thought about everything but running.

Running had become a struggle and a challenge. I’ve enjoyed it, no loved it, for as long as I can remember, and for the first time in my life I experienced never wanting to lace up my shoes again. I felt beat down. Conquered. I’ve never put so much effort into something only to get worse. It was hard for me to admit defeat, but I couldn’t push myself any further. I came to a point where I figured rest couldn’t be nearly as bad as what I was going through mentally and physically. So, I rested. It reminds me of a song we used to sing at my grandparents house on Friday nights when we visited; “Day is dying in the west. Heaven is touching earth with rest.” This chic needed rest and it felt like it took heaven coming down to make me admit my humanity.

I ran for the first time this week – an easy four. I enjoyed it for the first time in months. I left technology behind. No need to know my time. It was back to simply me and the road. It felt good. I’m ready now. Break’s over. Heaven made me rest, and even gave me a shooting star this morning to wish upon. Enjoy your rest, because tomorrow we run.

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We work hard. We train hard. We put everything we have into focusing on the next race, event, or goal. Sometimes, we get sidelined. An injury…a sickness…life. It’s easy to focus on the big things like weekly mileage and structured training plans, but I’m learning there are times when I need to focus on the little things as well. It’s the little things that we try to ignore and “train over” that can end up derailing us.

I’m the worst when it comes to recognizing the small problems that can lead to the big, unavoidable, mountainous messes. I never want to feel ill-prepared for a race, and as runners we are all too familiar with the mental aspect of running – especially distance running. I’ve learned a lot the hard way and over the years have been determined that my mind will not be the reason I am not successful in a race. My body is another story.

I have lived by the philosophy of “What doesn’t kill me, will make me stronger”. Hard work never hurt anybody, right? Possibly. But as athletes we can’t ignore the little things that are flashing symbols of potentially bigger problems that need our attention. Yes, resting is harder than it looks for some of us. A week off in the grand scheme of things is not an eternity (though it may feel like it). That lingering fear of resting and not finding the motivation to get up and run starts creeping in. What if I enjoy my time off too much? What if my legs feel like jello when I start back up again? What if I feel worse because I was “lazy”? Flip side: What if my legs finally feel rested? What if my body and mind have time to reboot? What if I become a more solid runner?

I’m working on taking it one day at a time and not ignoring the little things, because believe it or not they really do exist.

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Ever take time to reflect? Unfortunately, this is becoming a lost art. We are so busy wrapped up in our to-do lists, kids, work, and lives that we often don’t take time to reflect on the past days, weeks, or months. Reflecting allows us to revisit memories and think about what we’ve found important enough to remember.

Reflecting requires us to quiet the noise and focus on one specific thought or memory. It gives us the opportunity to remember the things we should be thankful for, the things we need to work on, and our priorities. What would we do if we didn’t have anything to reflect on? Think about it; what if you looked into the mirror and nothing was there? We’re given this strange opportunity to look back in time…to relive moments of fun, excitement, anger, sadness – and given the chance to ask “What if?”.

Running is the time I usually have to reflect. It’s a time of peace, quiet, and a stillness of early morning calm. Typically it’s just me and the sounds of my own footsteps. It’s a rhythm of stillness; if there is such a thing.

Your reflection is the truth and bare foundation of who you are. You can’t make up history, but you can create the future. What do you see?

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We have enough challenges to overcome every day, but more times than not our biggest challenge is ourself. Why bother throwing in extra obstacles like finding time to fit in a run or taking the time to sit down and eat a healthy meal? Why not? There will never be enough hours in the day, and there will always be sleepless nights that rob you of energy (and sometimes sanity). Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment, or maybe I know I am capable of so much more, or (even more likely) I’m just a nut. Maybe it’s the thought of what I’d miss out on if I didn’t keep going…

Yes. Even the baby got to climb the mountain.

Instilling confidence.

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Many of you read my blogs in hopes of finding the motivation to lace up and head out the door, but today it’s more than that. Skimming through Facebook, I am amazed at how many people are setting themselves aside and focusing on others. One great example is my friend Alex, who has committed his entire running plan in preparedness for the Leadville 100 and raising money for the American Cancer Society http://thoughtsontherun.com/wordpress/charity-running/ . If you think it’s been an easy road, I’d suggest you follow his blog and see the heart and soul he’s put into his efforts to raise $10,000 for this charity. Many are involved in the 25 days campaign http://25inchange.org/ in which they commit to raising awareness of world hunger and obesity.

Running doesn’t have to be just about running. Make it about something else – something more than yourself. My last blog talked about the Seattle Animal Shelter and the “Fit for Fido” group that works with homeless animals. If you can’t find anything that suits your interests, start something on your own! This afternoon I get the pleasure of sitting in one of the first meetings for “Healthy Initiatives in the Workplace”, which was derived by yours truly in an effort to promote health and wellness in the workplace. So many were interested that it is taking flight and will include areas from healthy recipes, to exercise plans, accountability programs, and utilizing Colorado Farmer’s Markets and local growers. Some people need motivation, and some just need education.

Want a little motivation? Lace up your shoes, find a quiet path, and think about what you have to give to someone else. I bet it’s more than nothing.

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The past several months have landedme in a variety of cities from San Francisco, to Nashville, to San Diego, Orlando, and most recently Seattle. It’s been a whirlwind of traveling that has left me (I’ll admit) a bit tired. Each new city brings with it a new challenge to my running routine. Those that know me best know I prefer to run the same route most mornings and typically don’t stray too far from the norm. I like consistency. I enjoy knowing where I’m heading and what I can expect. Running in new cities (and not on back country roads) puts a bit of anxiety on something I’ve relied on to actually do quite the opposite. I have found that I have yet to be disappointed by a run in a new city, no matter how far out of my comfort zone I become. San Francisco brought breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and an orientation to a beautiful running path. San Diego brought a beautiful marina run that gave endless views of harbor life. Orlando brought much needed warm with flora and fauna. Nashville brought a unique set of challenges that included heat, humidity, but the chance to strengthen my running base. My first run in Seattle brought with it a greater view of the city and exploration of new grounds.

I started out this morning not really sure which direction to take, other than to head toward the waterfront. I’ve learned that most waterfront cities lack no running grounds along the water’s edge. I didn’t bother with starting my watch until I got out of the city blocks (I’ve learned my lessons with stop and go running in the city thanks to San Francisco) and found my way to the water front, not really certain whether going right or left would provide the best views. I headed left and quickly noticed I was on a very industrial section of land. I thought about turning around and heading the other direction but thought I would check out the path I’d chosen to see how far it went. After a couple of miles it dead-ended so I turned around and headed the other way. There wasn’t anything spectacular about my run, other than I figured out a way to get it done in a city I’d never visited. Rural running is vastly different from running in the city, and acclimating to road traffic, foot traffic, tourists, etc., can be challenging and albeit a bit frustrating but I’ve learned to take on new cities with new approaches and use it as an opportunity to do a little extra sight seeing. Looking back I’ve gained confidence by running in new territories and have learned to adapt my running to my environment. I can only hope that by doing so I’m just better preparing myself for Boston and running in yet another new place.

Sometimes it’s not just about logging the miles, but rather enjoying the views, sights, and sounds along the way. Get out and try something new. Spread your wings and stop and smell the roses once in a while. Add a little inconsistency to the consistent conundrum of life and enjoy the challenges of adaptation. I think tomorrow I’ll head right…

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