Dreams of Hayward Field

In my dreams…. running around Hayward Field as the crowd cheers. Finishing strong as the timer blinks away the seconds…

"People want to come down and jog a lap on Hayward Field and think 'Pre' is running alongside them step by step…" Oregon coach Vin Lananna

All through the last 3 Eugene Marathons, the gates were locked – we could only peer in and wonder...
This year the Eugene Marathon will finish with a lap around this hallowed landmark!
Apparently the original Nike-OTC Marathon in Eugene started and finished on Hayward.
I discovered this tidbit of trivia while standing in a Porta-Potty line-up during the Inaugural Eugene Marathon. (Actually reborn 2007 event.)
A sage looking runner – with head band and baggy shorts said he came up from California for this marathon to reminisce and renew his youth. He had a lot of talk about NIKE and why its headquarters were no longer in Eugene…, but I will save that for another day. He had run the Eugene Marathon in 1982! And running along with him - Joan Benoit ! She set the American record that year with a 2:26:11 and won $20,000!

Other tidbits about Hayward Field:

• It was originally a football field 1919.
• It wasn’t till 1970 that it became just a track and field venue.
• Hosted four US Olympic Track and Field Trials.
• And will be the place for the 2012 Track and Field Olympic Trials!

For a brief moment I too will be an elite athlete following the footsteps of champions as I round that final curve.

Image (mine) 2008 Olympic Trials
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Quotes That Heal

As I said to myself, “No please – not my back…” my running schedule materialized; but like smoke from a Genie's bottle, it disappeared into thin air. I’ve been here before and know the routine. No running until the back pain is under control...

Quotes that helped:

“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from." Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
* Stop blaming myself.

"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten." Tony Robbins
* There is always something I can learn about my body.

"It’s human nature to start taking things for granted again when danger isn't banging loudly on the door.” David Hackworth
* I will never grumble about going for a run again!

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." Rumi
* My work is running.

"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." Jim Valvano
* Looking over my race bibs and times – I’ve still got a lot to do.

"Life is about timing." Carl Lewis
* Taking some time off from running (even if it is forced) gives me time for reflection.

"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." Joseph Campbell
* My joy is to just be outside – whatever I do out there will carry me through the day. I’m going to attempt a very gentle run later today. And if I have to walk – that’s OK!

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REM Running

I actually have the ability to run while I sleep. Plus, in a unique form of multitasking – I continue to dream of other things. It’s like being on automatic pilot.
I could be running a race - going at a nice easy pace, and then for a split second my mind wanders. Other bits and bites of life pour out – however - I continue to run. Always heading for the finish line – but of course never getting there...

Do you run in your dreams?

Wikipedia on Dreams

“People dream during REM sleep, perhaps as a result of excited brain activity and the paralysis of major voluntary muscles.”
“REM sleep in adult humans typically occupies only 20-25% of total sleep.”

R.E.M.

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