Back on the TLC Wagon
April 15th, 2008It was hovering around 70 when I got off work so I threw on some shorts, a tee shirt and running shoes and off I went. The wind was very strong (it is Kansas after all) and because I was running west, it was blowing east (of course). It has been several weeks since I last ran or worked the ellipse. I am always surprised when I run after a lay off as I usually pick up right where I was, sometimes I even seem to have more energy than usual. I sit on my butt in an office all day and I had trouble sleeping last night so it was a nice surprise.
It’s not that I wanted to run tonight, I didn’t. Had to force the issue and make myself just do it. No negotiating. Fortunately I must be in reasonably good shape as my muscles didn’t ache and my lungs didn’t burn. I have to credit Tai Chi and Chi Gong. It has really helped me learn how to relax and breath deeply. When I run I breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. I think that helps me keep a good pace and limits the burning lung feeling I used to get when I gulped air through my mouth.
It was only a 2 mile run so it’s not like it’s a huge distance but you have to start somewhere. 2 miles was just right tonight. I even found myself getting into a ‘flow’ where I wasn’t thinking much but just enjoying the rhythm of my breathing and the pace of the run. Breathe in, breathe out. Legs and arms moving to an unheard beat. It became hypnotic.
A woman was walking a large beautiful Doberman. I couldn’t help but laugh to myself as it reminded me of Mr. Burns on the Simpsons. “Smithers, release the hounds!” I like the cut of his jib.
I ran west a mile, crossed the street and turned back east. Now if the wind was in my face when I was running west, why was it now in my face when I was running east? Kansas.
Springtime comes. You see the flowers blossoming, the butterflies flitting about; you hear the birds singing, you breathe in the warm weather. And your mind is only springtime. It is nothing at all.
You visit Niagara and take a boat to the bottom of the falls. The downpouring of the water is in front of you and around you and inside you, and suddenly you are shouting: YAAAAAA!
In all these experiences, outside and inside have become one. This is Zen mind. Your mind is clear like space. ~ Zen Master Seung Sahn
Wind in my face, yellow hydrant, green street sign, big dog. My mind became clearer. I don’t know if it was clear like space but it was a few minutes of clarity. I didn’t think, I just ran.
On another note - please note the “Contact Me” link in the left rail. Feel free to email me. I can’t promise I’ll always answer but I’ll read all of them, so be nice! Remember we’re all dealing with something.
April 16th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I used to run in the evenings and found that it really was hard to not negotiate with Lazy Lisa. I had a NO SITTING on the couch policy. I had to go straight to the running clothes and put them on. It is also windier here in the evenings and I just hate wind.
So now I run in the morning. There is no wind and mind my hasn’t started clogging up with issues and voices….or I might just still be a sleep. Also in the morning, there is no wind. There is also very little traffic and it’s like I have the town all to myself. Not having a lot of distractions keeps me in the flow or I might just still be asleep. Also I like having my evenings free to do whatever I feel like. So some evenings I throw in some strength training or go out dancing.
I have been running now for over 25 years and frankly most of the time I just don’t want to do it. I would really rather lay in bed or sit on the couch, but the benefits of the running (both my parents died of cardiovascular related diseases) are really what keeps me going. Being 53 and being able to still run 15 miles a week and have a waistline gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I run for me. I have run in one race and I hated it. I am hard enough on myself without having to add competition with other people to it. I’d say maybe once a week, I have that complete flow where all of the cylinders are firing….I call it flying.
Not that I am older and wiser, I do believe and I think I read that your body and mind get used to doing just one exercise. So it is good to lay off of something and try something new. The stimulation is good for the body and the mind which keeps the black dog at bay.
You go Cosmo!
April 16th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Thanks Lisa,
I remember an interview with the actor Bruce Dern once. He was a runner. Ran long distances everyday of his life. The funny thing was he said he never wants to run, he had to make himself do it.
Strange sometimes how I don’t want to do something like run, but then find myself enjoying it once I do.
15 miles a week, that’s great. Go Lisa!
April 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Fantastic post, I have to be honest and say that more often than not, the couch wins out… now and then I have a burst of inspiration and can “stick it to the man”, but despite have set some good (and realistic) goals, I still have a lot of trouble just getting off my butt. What’s worse, winter’s about to settle in!
Lisa’s reply made me think a bit, there’s a long history of heart disease on my dad’s side, so that SHOULD be enough to kick me into action, maybe having heard someone else mention it will give me a bit of a kick in the pants. I have a nicely mapped out 4mile track which I walk/jog/run when I get to it, and it’s really not that hard, it’s just a matter of getting to it! If anyone has any tips on beating the cold and “Just Doing It”, I’d LOVE to know!
Thanks again for the great post.
Steve.
April 28th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Steve,
Thanks for your comments.
Just get up and do it. Start out with a distance you can do and slowly increase the time and distance. Don’t try to do it all at once - break it down into manageable pieces, that way you’ll feel successful. The better you feel, the more likely you’ll continue.
Good Luck!
Cosmo
May 4th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Thanks Cosmo… do you know any chemists that sell a motivation pill?
May 5th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I wish I did. The lethargy that the black dog brings is a tough thing to combat. I’ve just had to force myself to do things.
Yesterday I forced myself to do yard work and once I started I found the momentum to keep going. By the end of the day I realized that I hadn’t ruminated all day.
It really does help. I got sunshine (light therapy), exercise, anti-rumination and a sense of accomplishment. These all help to tame the black dog.
Keep trying Steve. You may have to push yourself but it’ll pay off in the end.