The Psychology (if not the Zen) of Running...

I'm beginning to appreciate how much of running is about psychology. Okay, maybe I'll look back at this entry at some point in the future and shake my head, but here's how I see it now...

I'm still on the walk and run cycle, slowly extending my time (if not, necessarily, my pace). Today I came to the realization that for me to be successful involved several things occuring simultaneously:

1. Timing -- I am appreciative of the fact that I am sticking to the times. But the difference now versus 3 weeks ago was then I was looking at the time and counting the seconds. Now, I use the time to see how long into the cycle I go before I feel like I need to look. Subtle difference, yes, but for me it seems to be a real difference

2. What I call 'sign-posting' -- this is where I consciously choose a marker in the distance and tell myself that I won't check the watch until I pass that mark. As I push that marker further away, I think I'll go further!

3. This blog site -- why am I writing this stuff? Are you really interested? Are you hoping to find a great revelation here? Or is it my legendary wit that brings you back. Truth is (and don't be offended if you do happen to read this), I'm writing it for myself. I find as I run, I begin to formulate ideas that I want to put down. Please feel free to keep reading. Or not!

4. My friends -- at the start of this, I sent out an e-mail to people close to me. This was partly to make me push ahead with this plan -- it is harder to look you in the eye and say I'm not running still than it is to keep on running. What I have been really happy about is the supportive words and messages from you all. You may or may not know how much it means to me, so THANKS.

5. Music -- okay, so this might not be 'psychology' per se, but boy does a good beat help! Also, the WRONG beat TOTALLY throws off my pace. Best groups for me so far? The Scissor Sisters and The New Pornographers. Boy does it help.

Oh, and did I mention, new shoes really are great!

I got new shoes on....

So, what a difference shoes make. In my original note, I made comment about my pristine shoes. Well, they stay pristine.

I found that I was avoiding the dreaded shin splints, but still having very sore feet. So, I went to the Running Room, and got properly fitted for shoes. What a difference!! What I'd say to anyone is that getting the formal fitting is worth every second.

I continue to (plod) along -- now about 3 weeks into it. Someone told me that at the 6 week mark, there is a sudden change, and things get easier. I must admit, I'm looking forward to that. However, there are changes. I was asked by a friend the other day if I was enjoying the running yet. My response, which was quite honest was "I don't hate it as much." Hopefully this trend will continue.

Off for a run tonight, despite being on call -- hopefully I'll still be able to do the full deal!

Ta ta for now.

Live from North Carolina

Hello from North Carolina

We are down here having a great visit with friends (S, I, E, K). We rented a house on the beach on Ocracoke Island, and it is stunning.

Have still been keeping up -- despite not having brought my running shoes! Went out per usual schedule on Monday night, but it was raining, and when I say raining, see above!!

As you can see, the rain flooded out this island, and the main road was closed just beyond this photo location. I missed the run on Wednesday, mainly because of the amount of standing water around - up to 4 - 5 inches in places.

I'll be out again tonight, but rest assured I have still been active - 2 hours of kayaking yesterday, and walking the town and the (very wind blown) beach!