In my younger years when I ran marathons, I enjoyed the 2 hours plus training run. Frankly, I miss marathon training, the long runs of solitude. I didn't get bored. It was a comforting time. That Guy would accompany me on those run. I don't think he appreciated them as much as I did. He would ask me, "What do you think about when you run?" Anything, everything was my reply.
It gave me time to think, ponder.
I would think and listen to my body. I listen to what it is doing and how it is feeling. Am I comfortable, struggling, does my calf feel okay, is that pain in my foot something to be concerned about? All this and more as I take inventory of what my body is going through.
That was the on going assessment of my body as I cover the miles of country roads. But once that was done, thinking, pondering took over.
The rhythm of running is conducive to introspection, free-thinking. What are the issues I'm dealing with? Are there presentations to draft? Events to organize?
"Don't trust a thought arrived at sitting down." Words from the late running guru George Sheehan.
Running provided me the time to think and problem solve. When I was on the city
council, many of my arguments for or against an issue were summarized
on a run.
I think the summary of tonight is more running so people make better decisions. I wonder what our country would be if qualifying for the Olympic track and field team put you in Congress rather than those who receive money from corporate lobbyists.
Things that make you ponder. Movement is good for clarity.
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