Trust No Idea Arrived at Sitting Down

One of the things That Guy and I miss about not running consistently, and not just the run/walk I'm currently doing, but actually running for more than 30 minutes at a time (have I mentioned a 45-60 minute run is the sweet spot of running?) , is the time to think and create. Running philosopher Dr. George Sheehan put it best  "Trust no thought arrived at sitting down."

Through the years, running has been my time to reflect, ponder, think, draft speeches/letters, create, to argue with That Guy. There is something about the rhythmic repetition of left-right-repeat, the deep breathing, warmth of the body working, the cadence of mind and body in sync, that eventually allows my mind to drift inward. 

While running, I've written campaign speeches, proposals for projects, letters, reflections. The movement  allows me to avoid the negative emotions that come out when I write when not moving. Movement is progress, so I feel more positive, more confident. 

As I've done more walking while training for a return to consistent running, I've slowly begun to see a similar focused introspective. I've been able to find solutions to some challenges that I've been working on. Again, movement for trusted thoughts. That Guy thinks I'm getting lazy in my old age.

One thing about the recent training to get back to running, my mindset is more relaxed. It's okay if I miss a day or if I decide to just walk and not add a run break. I'm more relaxed and freer in how I train. Ya, it slows the progress, but I'm not training to get faster or to run a certain distance. I'm training for a lifetime, which allows me to not stress if a workout isn't as hard or even missed. The goal is, don't injure yourself, make progress, enjoy the journey and "to slow down as slowly as possible".* 

Til next time, stay moving.

*quote from Frank Shorter

The Year I Didn't Run

 2024, the year I didn't run. This was 66/51. But 51 really wasn't a running year. I stopped running in Sept 2023 due to an ankle injury. That was followed with surgery in January 2024. Rehab for 6 weeks with the goal of returning to training in June. Lots of setbacks. 

Getting back into the routine has been challenging. Minor injuries to muscles that were remembering what running was. Soreness/discomfort in muscles that haven't been used like they have during the previous decades of running. Slowness of an older body returning to what it once did regularly.

In 51 years of running, this was the first one that I have not done significant running. My body reflects that. Heavy, sluggish. A positive is that due to more work on flexibility, I feel much less tight than before. My running gait feels different, in a good way. Now to build the endurance to more than the 5 minute run breaks on my 3 mile walks.

2024 was a year! Probably, no, for sure, the most difficult I've faced. A parent aging, the loss of, I don't know how to describe it, a much valued uncle. A daughter who went through a very serious illness. And no running to help me cope. 

The good news is, I survived the year. Thank goodness for grandkids who greet you at the airport, a wife with understanding and giver of sound advice, a personal trainer who challenges an old guy can stay young, 2-fingers of fine bourbon, a best friend to share Olympic Trials memories, and campfires with friends. 

2025, expect to be better. I have a new challenge in organizing a 4 day track meet for kids 7-18 (I'll take any assistance anyone reading this wants to provide),  renewing life with a retired Rachel, being in love with a 3 and 5 year old as they also teach me to be young, watching my daughters continue their awesome journeys as adults, sunrises in the desert, and returning to regular injury-free running. 

67/52, here I come.

New Year, New Expectations

 3 things for 2025:

1. As the new OR USATF Youth Committee chair, organize and execute a success 4 day, Jr Olympic Championship meet.

2. Get back to regular, injury free running.

3. Continue to keep those I love, from 3 - 80s, as my purpose.