I went running outside this morning for the first time in a week. Thanks to the now infamous polar vortex, training lately has been reduced to short stints on the treadmill. But today, facing a 13 mile training run, I was determined to run outside.
I started with a modified route and although there were slight adjustments I was able to find ice free paths and streets to run on. Around mile 8 I offered up a bit of thanks “thank you, God, for giving me an ice free path to run”. I got an immediate response “there are lots of ice free paths, it was you that went out and found them” ...
... and that made me start thinking about life in general and the difficulties and obstacles we all face. As I meditated on my run and life, I came up with some general truths ... about the run ... and about life.
There is always a clear path, you just need to find it
I could have stayed home, or done a shorter run on the treadmill. Trust me, it was tempting. If I had done so, I would have never had the head clearing, awe inspiring run I had. When faced with a difficult situation, we react much the same way. As soothing as it is to cry in your beer or bowl of ice cream, if you don’t get out and try to find the solution, it isn’t going to knock on your door.
I could have stayed home, or done a shorter run on the treadmill. Trust me, it was tempting. If I had done so, I would have never had the head clearing, awe inspiring run I had. When faced with a difficult situation, we react much the same way. As soothing as it is to cry in your beer or bowl of ice cream, if you don’t get out and try to find the solution, it isn’t going to knock on your door.
If the path is too icy, turn around
There is no point in continuing down a path that is not working for you. Sometimes we find ourselves going down a path that is just not right. It is too slick, too dangerous and isn’t getting us to where we need to go. Even if it takes us more time, even if we have to run a bit longer, we are better off leaving the path to find one that will give us what we need.
There is no point in continuing down a path that is not working for you. Sometimes we find ourselves going down a path that is just not right. It is too slick, too dangerous and isn’t getting us to where we need to go. Even if it takes us more time, even if we have to run a bit longer, we are better off leaving the path to find one that will give us what we need.
When you see ice on the path, don’t give up right away
Every path has ice. Sometimes it is clear the ice is temporary and sometimes it isn’t. You cannot turn around every time there is ice on the path and you cannot change directions every time there is an obstacle. Most of the time it is better to keep running for a while to see if the path is a good one.
Every path has ice. Sometimes it is clear the ice is temporary and sometimes it isn’t. You cannot turn around every time there is ice on the path and you cannot change directions every time there is an obstacle. Most of the time it is better to keep running for a while to see if the path is a good one.
Sometimes you just need to slow down
When there was ice on the path, I had to modify my gait. I had to run slower, take it easy. Yes, it affected my time, but not doing so would have resulted in injury - potentially one that would have affected my ability to race come April. Sometimes in life we need to slow down for a while, pay attention to our surroundings and think about our next step. Don’t worry, it never lasts long ...
When there was ice on the path, I had to modify my gait. I had to run slower, take it easy. Yes, it affected my time, but not doing so would have resulted in injury - potentially one that would have affected my ability to race come April. Sometimes in life we need to slow down for a while, pay attention to our surroundings and think about our next step. Don’t worry, it never lasts long ...
When the sun comes out, enjoy the warmth
The sun came out around mile 10 and began to melt off some of the ice. It was warm and comforting on my face. I call this luck. Luck is something I never take for granted and I am always very grateful for. You never know when luck will visit again. It is important not to rely on luck though. The sun only warmed miles 11-13. Relying on luck in life, although tempting, is akin to relinquishing control of your life and destiny. Enjoy it, but don’t rely on it.
The sun came out around mile 10 and began to melt off some of the ice. It was warm and comforting on my face. I call this luck. Luck is something I never take for granted and I am always very grateful for. You never know when luck will visit again. It is important not to rely on luck though. The sun only warmed miles 11-13. Relying on luck in life, although tempting, is akin to relinquishing control of your life and destiny. Enjoy it, but don’t rely on it.
I am deeply grateful for the ability to get out and run, polar vortex or not, and I look forward to my next long run.
