mindfirerunner

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.

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

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?

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

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…

Read Full Post »

Running in Colorado has its perks. Most of the time this lends to faster times during sea level runs, but I was reminded that other factors go into the race day experience. I haven’t ventured out of Colorado for any races until this past weekend when I went to Nashville to run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. We drove parts of the course the day before and I noticed very quickly how hilly it was. Hills and altitude training do not equate however come race day, but I was aware of this and knew I couldn’t let myself be ignorant of what was in store.

Race morning came and I knew some of the basics I had to accomplish before heading to the start line. Bathroom line 40 minutes in advance…warm up with strides…last sips of water…get to the front of my corral. Things were going smoothly and not only did I manage to get to the front of my corral, but because I was in the first corral I got to hang with some pretty amazing elite athletes. I felt a little out of my realm, but knew this was where I needed to be to break out of the crowds and find my stride early on. No sooner had they pulled the starting line rope up and gave the one minute warning did my right quad get an insanely intense cramp. You have got to be kidding me, I thought to myself. I started stretching it and rubbing it as vigorously as I could to get it to release. I have never had issues with quad cramping before. The gun went off and I started up the first of many hills. Within the first steps both quads seized and I wasn’t sure what to do. I had never dealt with this before and wasn’t sure if they were going to subside with more running or get worse. I figured I might as well keep running and see which way it went.

Two miles in and they felt like bricks of muscles on fire. I didn’t want to do long-term damage and the first thoughts of dropping out of the race came into my head. Is it smart or incredibly stupid to keep going? I kept going. Miles three through six were a test of will and spirit just to keep one foot going in front of the other. One mile at a time. Just one mile at a time, I kept telling myself. By mile eight the sun had drained my body and my legs had drained my soul. My times had slipped to nearly a minute greater per mile than my starting pace and I came to the realization that my goal of a sub-7:30 pace simply would not happen this time.

Then, I rounded into mile nine and a crowd of street supporters blanketed the course pouring water on us and cheering as loudly as they could. For nearly a solid mile I experienced some of the best race course support I’ve ever seen. My spirits lifted and I was soaked from head to toe – not normally something I would do on race day, but the heat had just about won. Miles 9-13.1 were a sheer testament of how far you can go when you know people are supporting you and cheering you on. I kept putting one foot in front of the other, and kept thinking about how much closer that was bringing me to the finish line. The hills kept coming and the heat was nearly unbearable, but each mile averaged back to my goal pace with a finishing pace of 5:55 – a pace I had never seen on my Garmin before. I crossed the finish line, had a brief moment of no light, and the sudden urge to vomit sending my body into convulsions, but I couldn’t have been happier than that moment in time. I finished.

It’s easy to be disappointed that I didn’t hit my goal pace, but looking back I am not only proud of what I managed to accomplish but I learned a great deal from it as well, and feel that I am better armed with greater mental toughness for the next race. I came back to Colorado excited to hit the pavement and looking at every run as a new challenge. I came back from one of the toughest races (and runs) I’ve ever experienced. It took everything I had, and then some, but there was still just enough left.

Country Music 1/2 Marathon Official Results

Read Full Post »

Dear Diary,

It’s been a while. I’ve been wrapped up in my own little world, trying to fight off the evil fortresses of the hectic schedules of work, home, & school. I’ve thought about you often, but find other things to fill my days and nights. I collapse into bed, sinking into the oblivion of a hopeful, quiet night of rest. I hear the world pounding through my head reinforcing the ability I have to overthink. It tells me that I can only do so much, that I can only be so much, that I will only know so much. It tries to put walls around my heart and block out what it considers nonsense, but what drives me to believe in more than myself.

The world tries to tell me what to do every day. It tells me who I’m supposed to be, what I’m supposed to look like, how I’m supposed to act. It tries to form me into the molds that others have created. It tries to grow my brain and shrink my soul. But every morning when I head out into the darkness, I prove it wrong. I don’t let it determine what I can and cannot do. I don’t let it tell me I don’t have the strength or the courage to be me. I don’t let it make me who it thinks I should be. I won’t let it tell me that I can’t believe in myself.

I escape in the early morning hours to balance out my world. Some use running as a way to sort through things, to think, to work out problems. I use running to stop and be still. I think of nothing but how the moon reflects off the roads, the sounds my feet make with every strike, or the feeling of my heart beating in my chest. It’s quiet. It’s dark. It’s perfect.

Dear Diary…

Read Full Post »