On a Path

“Meditation is simply about being yourself and knowing about who that is. It is about coming to realize that you are on a path whether you like it or not, namely the path that is your life.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn


photo credit: Morgue File

Motivation Break Down

“We run when we’re scared, we run when were ecstatic, we run
away from our problems and run around for a good time.”
Christopher McDougall Born to Run:

I’ve been running for over 25 years. It keeps me sane and connected to the outside world. Until recently… I’ve lost my running self.
(See previous post – Lost – The Zen of Running)
So like any runner with trouble spots, I head out looking for some quick solutions.
I stumbled upon this Greek concept while looking up motivation.
Arete

“Its basic sense means goodness, excellence, or virtue …this notion of excellence was ultimately bound up with the notion of the fulfillment of purpose or function: the act of living up to one's full potential.”

As my race PR times began to flounder – so did my motivation. (I discover there is a connection.)
If by running I am striving for excellence – my only true opponent is myself. Why get on the track and run 400s over and over again? Why push my body and soul to the limit? Since the outcome remains fixed - I no longer run PR s but PW s.

“Motivations aren’t external but internal – things we do for our own satisfaction."
Daniel Pink

Reasons WHY I RUN that are no longer motivational:

• For Health
• To Compete
• For Sanity – Well this is a Must Do indulgent – No choice.

Looks like I need to do some more research on motivation and purpose. Until then I will keep on running - albeit aimlessly.

Please share links to your favorite Motivational Post or Blog. I would love to read them.

More Ideas:
Re-Motivation: When It Just Ain’t Happening
Direction Poster
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
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Lost – The Zen of Running

Somewhere along the road I’ve lost my Zen of running. It was my sanctuary. A motion, a place, a time all my own. Now it feels like a chore. And I mean chore! I’m breathing heavy, my heart rate is up – I just want to stop running and walk!
This greatly saddens me as running was something simple – that I enjoyed.
It’s right up there in my top 3 things life has to offer.

Why the change?

Something wrong with the mechanics? I’ve been waking up with uneasiness that something is physically wrong with me. (The hypochondriac syndrome.). I do have an appt for a full physical soon.
Another life passage? As Gail Sheehy in Passages so honestly said;

” All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter into another!"

Classic case of burnout? Many days I had to force myself to do the long runs while training for the Half…

Whatever is going on; let’s pray I get over it fast. I miss my relationship with running.

I see John “the penguin” Bingham is working on a plan to get out of a slump – I hope it works for him. Finding the Rhythm

Some mindful suggestions I’ve been considering: [Thanks Donna Cardillo]

• Set intention.
• Ground yourself.
• Create good karma.
• Affirm your path.
• Aspire to new heights.
• Be mindful in everything you do.
• Tap into your life force.

Do you have any ideas? I would appreciate your feedback.
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New Ideas for 2010

Along with my new blog design (which is still in flux) I’ve been working on some new ideas (goals) for the New Year.

* To include a weekly video clips from one of my runs. Santa gave me an Apple iPod nano 8 GB(5th Generation) which has built-in video camera. I would love to capture and share some of the scenery I pass by. I still have to practice shooting and running but the few clips I’ve done already are amazing.

* Work on Gretchen Rubin’s 2010 Happiness project. Each month, she proposes an area of life to tackle for your project.
January—Energy!
I will try and incorporate my running and fitness goals. (Check out the sidebar (soon) for upcoming projects.)

* To follow the training plan for Masters Runners by Brad Hudson – Run Faster
I like his philosophy, “Modify workouts as your go based on your body’s response to the last workout…” In the past, I was taking on training plans that were meant for younger bodies.
I start training for a half marathon this week. His plan includes 4 miles + 1x8 sec. hill sprints – now all I have to do is find a hill!

The Happiness Project:

What plans do you have for 2010?
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Runners Count

I have an abacus at the bottom of my stairs. When we first moved into this house (a two story), I wanted to know just how many times a day I went up and down the stairs.
It’s made of wood with two rows of brightly color rings. Just a child’s toy – but it provides accurate data. I love its simplicity.
When running I use a sort of mental abacus system. I count off segments of my run. These can be miles, city blocks or even minutes. (I started using this method way before Garmin.) The process chronicles my run and gives me a sense of completeness.

“I'm pleased with my life, with the journey.” Tina Turner

A small sample of what other runners count:

1. Days till a race -> The countdown continues: Motivation for MCM, Eight Days Out
2. Weather data –> Alone With My Thoughts
3. Don’t forget feet -> Times My Foot Fell Asleep
4. How many marathons -> Let’s Do This, Huh?
5. Runners you pass in a race -> Lake Waramaug, April 27, 2003
6. How many calories -> Running Girl’s Blog
7. Words -> I Say Like Too Much
8. How many beers last night -> Sweet!I Can Do This!
9. The cadence BPM in music -> Review Cadence
10. Running Streaks – > Joggling Streak Day 330
11. Countdown to Disney -> Walt Disney World Marathon

What do you count? Include your links in the comments : )

"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." Willie Nelson

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Reasons To Run

"It's only when you're flying above it that you realize how incredible the Earth really is." Philippe Perrin

There is something phenomenal about flying 25,000 ft. up in the air.
As I sit there encapsulated, I not only get a panoramic view, but an overview - of my life. Like an out of body experience, I am detached.
On this trip I felt the urgency to go for a run. You really discover your wants – when they are unavailable. (When will they provide in-flight treadmills?)

Instead of running, I focused on the Reasons To Run:

Runaway
Quite literally – you can. Not only mentally but physically. Sometimes you need to run hard and fast to get the prize – a flood of endorphins. This is the reward.

Overindulgence
You know those days when you can’t stop eating. The next day you seek absolution. Running can repair.

Grounded
Being a dynamic component of nature instead of an observer. Just the act of getting outside delivers.

Fitness
When you have nothing to say… You can brag about your slow pulse.

Connection
The thing about running – it can be solitary or a group adventure. With every race I run – I feel a kinship with my fellow man. Together we move…
But perhaps most important (to me) is the virtual connection I have with you online runners. Everyday I can witness someone supporting or cheering on another runner. We share a common passion, and because of this - we are connected.

Why do you run?

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Where Do You Pin Your Bib?

I’ve been noticing lately – runners wearing their bib numbers lower...like on their shorts or legs. I think this has something to do with trail runners – they like to take their shirts off!
But honestly I think the bib and safety pin pre-race maneuvers are so unnecessary. Not to mention archaic! (How many years have we been doing this?) I think a slick wrist band would be sufficient in conjunction with a timing chip.

Where do you pin your bib?


Abolish running bibs

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Juneathon Wrap-Up

Wrapping up the 30 day Juneathon challenge.

"The challenge is to run or exercise every day
for a month and blog about it!”

To put this in perspective...
Percent of Americans who do 30 minutes of exercise:

• 27% workout 5 or more times per week.
• 24% 3-5 times per week.
• 49% less than 3 times a week.

Source: Gallup

I had more problems with posting everyday than I did with the exercise component. (I generally workout 5x a week.) But composing a blog post everyday – noway!
I have to admit I did combine a couple of days just because I didn't want to be at the computer. Hey it’s summertime!

Grand Totals:
Ran: 70 miles
Walked: 4.2 miles
Biked: 40 miles
Pushups: 368 of them. (Holy Crap!)
Plus a few elliptical and kettlebell workouts.


Juneathon Day 30 Last Day
Powerwalk 2 miles - Witnessed 1 tree killed
3x20 Lunges
Pushups 10,12,7,7,9

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Back In The Saddle

Looking forward to the race tomorrow. It’s been 7 weeks since
my last race and all is forgotten...
[Felt so bad after that race, I thought I was going to die!]
I'm actually chomping at the bit for a chance to compete again.
What I have to remember is my age group - and then behave my age.

2009 Datalogic Fun Run & Charity Challenge 5K

Juneathon Day 19
Elliptical 15 mins
On TV - Pomegranates!
Squats 3x10

Have a great Friday!

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Part of the Whole

Maybe it was the walking on the beach as the beginning daylight danced off the wet sand

OR

maybe it was the fact that I didn’t have my running gear on; I was hit with this overwhelming urge to run and never stop.
This powerful feeling flowed through me, like I was caught in a slipstream...
As any runner knows, these mysterious flashes don’t pop up everyday. In fact most days it's -> “First your shorts - then your shoes.”
I wish I could save this heartfelt occasion – and pass it on. The ultimate cure for runners’ burnout.
~
Todays run - 5.1 miles – with a negative split!
Cheery Tune – “I’m Yours.”
Reading - Chicken Soup to Inspire the Body & Soul
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My Running Attitude

Steps to Building Attitude:

• Make a list of your running achievements – things you are proud off.
• Keep a diary and write down only positive things about your run. Look at it frequently!
• Pay compliments to other runners. And when it’s your turn to receive one - accept it as genuine.

Conversely, don’t let this all go to your head. You don’t want to end up thinking you’re the best runner in town.

Ref: Managing Your Mind: The Mental Fitness Guide

Have a great Monday.

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One Word Resolution

I don’t do New Year's Resolutions because I’m too hard on myself when I fail.
Declaring that – I somehow always feel left out as everyone discusses their New Year challenges...
But this sounds like a better method;

Pick a word for the year

This is more of a stance than a burden and not as overwhelming as a regular list of resolutions.
(Term coined by Christine Kane – “Resolution-revolution a better way to start your year.")

I’m going with;

Acceptance

About: growing older, my lack of courage, about reaching my running capabilities, etc, etc…

Happy New Year and Good Luck with your list of New Year Resolutions.

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Why Humans Run - Revisited

Kelly Lambert a behavioral neuroscientist professes,
“We’ve abandoned physical interactions with our environment.”
In the old days we had to build our homes and plant food for our own survival. Nowadays, most of us no longer have any control over our environment.

“We don’t engage the brain’s “effort-driven rewards circuit.”

So that’s where running comes in. (And why it is so important to many of us.)

Going for a run involves:

Planning - How far should I run? Should I incorporate some intervals or do a long run? What amount of free time do I have? I go over some running routes and check mileage. What is the weather like?
Deciding – I will run one of my favorite 5 mile loops and keep a steady 9 min pace.
Implementing – I head out for a 5 mile run. Water and gear onboard.
Evaluation – This is the reward stage. We enter our miles in the logbook. Some of us even like to view it in Google Earth. “Yeah – I ran 5 miles before breakfast and I feel great!”

Have a great Monday!

PS.
I finally started reading the book Why We Run: A Natural History for a more insightful analysis on running. (Thanks to TED for the suggestion.) I will do a review when I’ve finished and then pass it on to one of you : )

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A Year of Running

Around this time, every year, I look back at last year’s mileage and compare it to this years'. And then attempt to sketch out some aspirations for next year.
I’ve only been keeping track of annual mileage since 2001. Thanks to online running journals it’s so easy now.
Last year’s miles 786
This year’s miles 793 (Over 800 by year’s end :)

Aspirations:

• Beat or make my Half-marathon time of 1:55. (Re-read Galloway’s book – "Half Marathon - You Can Do It" book to establish a new training schedule.)
• Race in a new locale.
• Run injury free!
• Maintain my pace – this is a big one for me. Each year I get older and it’s getting more difficult to see any improvements. I know the ice will shatter someday, till then I’m going to keep skating.

Remember:

"The best swimmers are always in the pool."

Meanwhile, back to building a bird’s nest.


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Seasonal Adjustments

Do you adjust your running timetable to the changing seasons?

This article - The Fitness Almanac - suggests we are influenced by the seasons – just as other animals are.
I tend to train in harmony with my race schedule. Next year, my big race - The Eugene Marathon - falls on May 3rd. So I will start training January 1, regardless of how I feel or the weather. But perhaps I should be choosing race dates by my energy levels.

The article highlights each quarter:

1. Winter – A time for introspection. Evaluate last year’s goals and then prepare for fresh expectations. “Energy level is moderate.”
2. Spring – A time for rebirth – renewal. Try out something new. “Energy level is intense, upbeat...” (So a good time to race.)
3. Summer – Heat can slow you down. Siesta anyone? This is a good time to try new cross training activities. (I want to go Kayaking next year.) “Energy can be playful to lethargic.”
4. Fall – Time to reap your awards of training. Make decisions on what worked and what didn’t. “Energy – seeking satisfaction.” (I love the Fall and the return of cooler weather. It’s my favorite time of year to run!)

What’s your favorite season for running?

Image map
1. Silhouette, 2. Spring Flowers, 3. It's SNOWING!, 4. Fall Forest

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More Than a Hello

Near the end of my Saturday run, I passed by another fellow human. He was working his way down the sidewalk; I was cruising - homeward bound.
He said, “Hello - How is your day?” Mummified – I blurted out “OK.”
Didn’t he see I was running – I couldn’t just stop and tell him the infinite details of my marvelous life!
In a flutter of seconds – I passed him.
Then I felt ashamed.

But first let me tell you about him.
He looked about my age perhaps a smidge older – dressed in a suit and tie. He was walking very awkwardly on crutches. As I did a quick scan, (runners are very good at this) I noticed he had special shoes on. Made of black polished leather. The left shoe had a 3 inch sole lift on it.
In a flutter of seconds – I passed him.
Then I felt ashamed.

I quietly asked myself - how was his day going… Was it his first walk on a new leg? Had he been born with a handicap? Or was he walking slowly because he was in extreme pain – recovering from surgery or perhaps a car crash.
The only thing I know for sure is that I should have stopped and talked to this stranger.
If you have a chance - read this related post at Life 2.0
[Blogging's Hidden Jewel]

“Almost everybody avoided his eye and darted off. One or two people looked at him warily. Nobody said 'hello '…

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Listen to the Seasons

The Fall is here, but where cold, blustery weather should have been this morning, a mild day with sunshine appeared. (Trust me, if you live in the Northwest and it’s November – you pay attention to the weather.)

Today’s run along Beacon Drive...

I am thankful for long winding country roads
with no traffic.


I am thankful for sunshine
and happiness.


I am thankful that each footstep
I take – I am not alone.


I am thankful for all the years
I’ve been able to run.
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Running In The Fog

Pics from today's run

Does have advantages:

• colors are more vivid.
• there is an unspoken silence.
• you feel sheltered.
• the way headlights emerge.
• the weight of Fall leaves.
• spider webs appear frosted.
• FOG HORNS – and other lost sounds.
• seeing the swirls rise with the heat.
• glimpses of blue sky.
• Halloween decorations look SO scary!

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A Sign or Just a Bookmarker

As I sit on this jet reading “life is a verb”, I notice the bookmark ->
I have a collection of bookmarks – actually a pile of them. So when I open yet another book, I slip one in – not really noticing it.
It is there to mark my place…
The day before I left, I busily read a number of my fav running blogs sites including Ted’s Running Journal.
He mentions he had met a couple of authors promoting their running books. He included a picture of him with Bart Yasso.
Strange coincidence or a sign?
It seems as we age we start paying less attention to the world. Perhaps there is just too much stuff to process.

Starting now – pay attention!

1. A bike tire mark in the mud. 2. A young man walking a golden lab. 3. The sound of a passenger train. 4. A path leading to nowhere. 5. How the sun melts the frost. 6. Direction of the wood grain on the boardwalk. 7. An out of place rock – how did it get there?
ALL THIS AND MORE IS WAITING TO BE SEEN.

"Every day is a journey." wrote Basho

My Life On The Run

I wrote this post before I got home. Home Sweet Home. The above image was taken along one of my favorite runs in Canada.

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Life Lessons Learned from Running

This weeks theme at TIaRT is… Life Lessons Learned From Running.
I take every life lesson seriously.

One of the most important lessons I learned from running was – acceptance of myself. Sounds strange, but when I first started running, I did so in the early AM – so no one could see me. I spent precious running time putting on makeup, inserting my contact lenses - ruminating over what I should wear. As if I was constantly under some spotlight. I wasn’t over-weight or ugly, just burdened down with shyness aggravated by a bad case of acne.
Running lifted that cloak...
Now I don’t worry about hiding myself. (Well, maybe still on race days - I try to blend in.)
Running has accepted me into her ways – with unconditional Love.

The Importance of Running Roots
Image morgueFile

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