When I was about to leave for my run today I realized my ipod was dead. At first this annoyed me- but then I looked out the window at the serene blue sky, the sun already lightening with the onset of late afternoon, and I headed out happy to leave the ipod at home.
There are so many reasons why I run loving with music (which I'll save for a future post), but there's also something to be said for running without it. When I ran my marathon I ran the whole time without listening to my ipod. I wanted to soak in the experience entirely, to be fully present for each step of the 26.2 miles. When you run without music you are keenly aware of each footfall. I am totally in tune with how my body feels-- noticing the exact moment when my body settles into the rhythm, more aware of soreness that I should attend to, even more able to appreciate the bliss of the runner's high (which is a real thing). I observe my surroundings more closely, allow myself to get lost in my own thoughts, and even had a quick conversation with a fellow runner (also sans ipod) with whom my path crossed today 5 miles deep.
More of my running happens with an ipod than without, and that will likely remain true. But for today, at least, I am happy that I found my ipod uncharged, and wouldn't mind making an effort to head out without it more often.
Friday, March 30, 2012
#124: 7 Miles
There are certain distances that I revere-- and for some inexplicable reason, 7 miles is one of them. Today I ran my standard 7 mile loop for the first time since the early fall, and I was reminded of how much I appreciate this distance. It always feels like the first substantial distance amount- but also a manageable one. For as much as I love and am acclimated to distance running, I am always slightly amazed when I run any distance over 10. But 7 always feels doable, and whenever I cross the threshold of 7 miles in a training program, I am energized. It always feels like the real work has officially begun.
#123: Micah True
My colleague, Adam, popped in my classroom today to inform me of some troubling news. Micah True, an ultrarunner made famous in Born to Run, is missing. He went out for a 12 mile run Tuesday morning in New Mexico, and hasn't been seen since.
I felt immediate shock and concern, and have spent a lot of my prep period at work reading articles regarding the situation. One was from a website in the New Mexico area, and it listed 'Things You Can Do To Help.' A number of those were targeted at people looking to join the search and rescue operations, but the last tip resonated with me: "If you can spare a minute of your time for a prayer, a positive thought or for visualizing his safe return, please do it. Our friend needs all the support he can get right now."
I am thankful for Micah True. He is an inspiring man, one whose story I was captivated by when I read Born to Run. I am praying for him and his safe return, and hope that I can soon update this post with my thankfulness for that.
UPDATE: I am saddened to write that the body of Micah True was located on Saturday. Christopher McDougall, the author of Born to Run, posted on twitter that "Caballo had the only funeral he would have wanted: his friends spent days running in the wilderness in his honor." I, too, will run this week in his honor, and will aim to run and live as light as the white horse.
I felt immediate shock and concern, and have spent a lot of my prep period at work reading articles regarding the situation. One was from a website in the New Mexico area, and it listed 'Things You Can Do To Help.' A number of those were targeted at people looking to join the search and rescue operations, but the last tip resonated with me: "If you can spare a minute of your time for a prayer, a positive thought or for visualizing his safe return, please do it. Our friend needs all the support he can get right now."
I am thankful for Micah True. He is an inspiring man, one whose story I was captivated by when I read Born to Run. I am praying for him and his safe return, and hope that I can soon update this post with my thankfulness for that.
UPDATE: I am saddened to write that the body of Micah True was located on Saturday. Christopher McDougall, the author of Born to Run, posted on twitter that "Caballo had the only funeral he would have wanted: his friends spent days running in the wilderness in his honor." I, too, will run this week in his honor, and will aim to run and live as light as the white horse.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
#122: Running Reminders
My training for my upcoming half has been inconsistent. Once my first two weeks were interrupted by bronchitis, I never gained traction. I've more or less let go of my goal to break two hours...I'm slightly disappointed, but I also know that I want to be a runner for the rest of my life. There will be plenty of possibilities to PR. Sometimes you have to just accept it's not your day, and for a runner, it's important to reconcile yourself with that reality.
Despite my newly adopted easy-going mentality for this half, I have struggled occasionally with just getting out the door. My energy is often low, I struggle with finding the time to get a run in amidst my social life, work and home responsibilities, and some days I just can't find the motivation to get out the door.
Yesterday was one of those days. Relying on a standard quick-fix, I decided to run somewhere out of the ordinary for novelty's sake. I hopped in my car and headed to a local lake, where I could run laps, zone out, and simply get the miles logged.
Often when I run I think about running. It can be a very meta-experience in that sense. This run-- which I had to battle myself simply to start-- made me think very much about why it is that I run.
On the same property as the lake I was looping sits a school for children and young adults with disabilities. Every time I passed it I drew strength from my proximity to what I imagine is a wonderful place. Knowing an unmotivated three mile run pales in comparison to the challenges the students attending that school face everyday put the whole run in perspective. And then, to add to this recognition, I noticed my company at the lake included a number of people who can't run. A woman pushed her adult son in a wheelchair. A man with a prosthetic leg was walking around the lake for as long as I was running-- and he continued even after I had stopped.
While I sat lakeside and stretched afterwards, I thought of a running quote that has always motivated me: "I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can't run, what they would give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me."
I'm thankful that I can run, and for the reminders that I shouldn't ever take that for granted.
Despite my newly adopted easy-going mentality for this half, I have struggled occasionally with just getting out the door. My energy is often low, I struggle with finding the time to get a run in amidst my social life, work and home responsibilities, and some days I just can't find the motivation to get out the door.
Yesterday was one of those days. Relying on a standard quick-fix, I decided to run somewhere out of the ordinary for novelty's sake. I hopped in my car and headed to a local lake, where I could run laps, zone out, and simply get the miles logged.
Often when I run I think about running. It can be a very meta-experience in that sense. This run-- which I had to battle myself simply to start-- made me think very much about why it is that I run.
On the same property as the lake I was looping sits a school for children and young adults with disabilities. Every time I passed it I drew strength from my proximity to what I imagine is a wonderful place. Knowing an unmotivated three mile run pales in comparison to the challenges the students attending that school face everyday put the whole run in perspective. And then, to add to this recognition, I noticed my company at the lake included a number of people who can't run. A woman pushed her adult son in a wheelchair. A man with a prosthetic leg was walking around the lake for as long as I was running-- and he continued even after I had stopped.
While I sat lakeside and stretched afterwards, I thought of a running quote that has always motivated me: "I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can't run, what they would give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me."
I'm thankful that I can run, and for the reminders that I shouldn't ever take that for granted.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
#121: Mad Men
It's backkkkk! After a long hiatus, one of my favorite tv shows had its season premiere on Sunday. Mad Men is easily one of the best shows on tv right now. It's smart, funny, and so well written. Watching tv is not one of my preferred pastimes; sometimes I really need to just veg and watch tv in order to unwind, but if I get caught up in something meaningless, I often regret wasting my time. But then there are tv shows like Mad Men which feel like such a great way to spend your time. I feel like the characters are real people, I am invested in their story lines, and I love the historical and cultural reflection of the 1960s. It is so wonderful to have Mad Men back, and now I have something to look forward to every Sunday night!
While on the topic, I am also thankful I ate dinner at a table next to Jon Hamm before I was a fan of Mad Men. Because then I would have made an unbelievable embarrassment of myself, rather than just my standard level of foolishness I showcased that fine evening. All you need to know is that my opening line to him was, "Would you be Jon Hamm?" and I praised him for his guest staring role on 30 Rock. Good God Woman! THATWASDONDRAPER!
While on the topic, I am also thankful I ate dinner at a table next to Jon Hamm before I was a fan of Mad Men. Because then I would have made an unbelievable embarrassment of myself, rather than just my standard level of foolishness I showcased that fine evening. All you need to know is that my opening line to him was, "Would you be Jon Hamm?" and I praised him for his guest staring role on 30 Rock. Good God Woman! THATWASDONDRAPER!
#120: Netflix
Netflix is a wonderful modern convenience. Just the other day I had a dream about Blockbuster, and that whole experience now feels so antiquated! I appreciate the ease and convenience of a movie renting system like Netflix. It's great how much time and money I save using it, and it allows Kegan and I to have weekly movie nights at home and easily watch tv series. Win-win-win.
Monday, March 26, 2012
#119: Kathleen
Throughout my life my father regularly remarked on how much I reminded him of my cousin, Kathleen. He would freeze in the midst of dinner to chuckle and say, "That's just what Kathleen would say." He'd catch me midconversation, point out a gesture and note, "You have the same mannerisms as your cousin." Reflecting on the personality traits of me and my siblings he'd describe me to a tee and then smile, "...you know, like Kathleen."
Growing up I adored this connection. In my eyes Kathleen was a spit-fire, the youngest child of her family of four, intelligent, well spoken, absolutely hysterical, able to equal the big personalities of the men in our family. On my wedding day there's a photo of me in which I look just like her. One of the coolest aspects of family, I think, is how you can see yourself reflected in your relatives. To share commonalities with Kathleen, to be in some ways her 'mirror image', is awesome.
Over the years Kathleen and I have become closer. She's a total role model for me, especially for her running accomplishments, her identity as a running mom, which I aspire to be someday, and that I consider her to be one of the strongest women I know. She provided me with invaluable advice as I trained for my marathon, and is someone I know I can always count on for encouragement and positivity-- be that in running or in any aspect of my life. The card she sent me after I ran my marathon is pinned to my cork board in my kitchen to this day, a constant reminder that Kathleen is a champion of me and my life, and anyone who knows Kathleen knows there's no one better you'd want rooting for you than her.
Just this week, and the impedance of this reflection, Kathleen mailed me a bracelet. A friend of hers has started her own blog- similar to mine in that it's about positive living and affirmation. In support of her friend, and to draw the connection to my thankfulness blog, Kathleen sent me one of the bracelets. I was so touched by the gesture and the accompanying note. It's quintessential Kathleen: supportive, loving, genuine and generous. I am so thankful to have her in my life, and can only hope to grow more and more like her.
Growing up I adored this connection. In my eyes Kathleen was a spit-fire, the youngest child of her family of four, intelligent, well spoken, absolutely hysterical, able to equal the big personalities of the men in our family. On my wedding day there's a photo of me in which I look just like her. One of the coolest aspects of family, I think, is how you can see yourself reflected in your relatives. To share commonalities with Kathleen, to be in some ways her 'mirror image', is awesome.
Over the years Kathleen and I have become closer. She's a total role model for me, especially for her running accomplishments, her identity as a running mom, which I aspire to be someday, and that I consider her to be one of the strongest women I know. She provided me with invaluable advice as I trained for my marathon, and is someone I know I can always count on for encouragement and positivity-- be that in running or in any aspect of my life. The card she sent me after I ran my marathon is pinned to my cork board in my kitchen to this day, a constant reminder that Kathleen is a champion of me and my life, and anyone who knows Kathleen knows there's no one better you'd want rooting for you than her.
Just this week, and the impedance of this reflection, Kathleen mailed me a bracelet. A friend of hers has started her own blog- similar to mine in that it's about positive living and affirmation. In support of her friend, and to draw the connection to my thankfulness blog, Kathleen sent me one of the bracelets. I was so touched by the gesture and the accompanying note. It's quintessential Kathleen: supportive, loving, genuine and generous. I am so thankful to have her in my life, and can only hope to grow more and more like her.
Kathleen and I- sharing in our Boston love
P.S. Check out her friend's project/blog at www.icanbracelets.org. Very cool!
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