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!
Interesting thoughts you have while running. The first might be a sort of time-posting, thus similar to your second thought. And while you're writing your blog for yourself, you're nevertheless using your blog to thank your many fans. Music makes life (incl work and exercise) easier. If music be the food ...
ReplyDeletePlus I'd say it works synergistically with the time- and sign-posting. So keep up the running and the writing!