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
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