This morning I felt something I never had before. Running without thinking I was running. Not mindlessly trotting along, but instead quite present and mindful...and for I think the first time, I think enjoyable!In the past I have run for fitness. Training for a race or tri, losing a few lbs, but never for that blissful runners high I so often hear people talk about.
On my way out to a nearby mountain bike trail yesterday, I saw a sign for an upcoming 10K fundraiser. The Wolfman tri is not until September , but I really want to increase my running times to at least below the 10 min mile mark and when I saw that sign I thought. "I should train for that, and then my speed will be quicker for sure".
Now a hair over 5 miles is my longest race, but 10k is only 1.21 more than that. I bet I could still do that in a months training time. This morning was the deciding factor. I would set out on a 4 mile route and see how long I could go. No time in mind, just running the best I could until I decided to stop.
It was almost like Divine intervention. Once I decided to run, I just did. Like Forrest Gump, just one foot in front of the other. Being completely present to what I had decided to do.
I have been reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, a book Nathan has been suggesting for me to pick up for years. It's core theme is... whatever you decide to do, do it the BEST you can. A simple philosophy, but I admit, am not always one to practice it. Today's run was the perfect example of this principle. I was not thinking about what I was going to do later that day, how hard I was breathing, why was I doing this, or any of those other distracting thoughts, I just ran in the moment. I ran that course faster than I ever had before and at a lower than average heartrate to boot. So, after today's stellar performance...I am signing up for the race and am looking forward to a whole new Zen way of training.
Whatever it is you are doing this weekend, running, gardening, just being with your family, try doing it as if (for just that moment) it was the only thing in the world....you will love the feeling.
I have been reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, a book Nathan has been suggesting for me to pick up for years. It's core theme is... whatever you decide to do, do it the BEST you can. A simple philosophy, but I admit, am not always one to practice it. Today's run was the perfect example of this principle. I was not thinking about what I was going to do later that day, how hard I was breathing, why was I doing this, or any of those other distracting thoughts, I just ran in the moment. I ran that course faster than I ever had before and at a lower than average heartrate to boot. So, after today's stellar performance...I am signing up for the race and am looking forward to a whole new Zen way of training.
Whatever it is you are doing this weekend, running, gardening, just being with your family, try doing it as if (for just that moment) it was the only thing in the world....you will love the feeling.
Image courtesy of a fantastic site and blog I found by Ashley Kumlien. A fellow Wisconsinite, Ashley is running across the US in awareness and funding for Multiple Sclerosis treament and research. To learn more and to donate, visit here.
4 comments:
Running in the present...a philosophy I strive for in every aspect of my life. Good luck with the training!
So inspiring! And you're absolutely right - it's better to be a master of the moment than a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.
Good for you! Thats awesome. I am a runner as well, and sometimes I get so sick of it. This was a good reminder to do it for the right reasons. ps. I would love to see that chair when your finished. Sounds so cool!
love it! mindfulness is so magical...glad you felt it!
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