Thursday, March 13, 2008

Wind at my back...

I'm a very mental runner.

I try really hard to let my thoughts wander while I am running. I find that if I focus too much on my breathing, my mechanics, what hurts, etc., then everything gets out of whack - all the pieces parts seem to take care of themselves much better if my brain stays out of it.

I'm also amazed at how much of a difference a little wind can make in my attitude. I realize that according to the laws of physics, a little wind in my face or at my back can't possibly offer as much resistance or assistance as I would swear it does when I'm running. But it does.

My wandering thoughts offer winds of their own. Negative thoughts, feelings of physical inadequacy, time constraints - wind gusting in my face, every step is a painful chore. Positive thoughts, loved ones, successes - wind at my back, blowing me home.

I went for a run yesterday - Coach Dan prescribed some fartlek training to strengthen me for the Crecent City Classic 10K coming up. I went in kind of dreading the run. I jogged slowly at first then started the fartleks. My mind started to wander, jumping between random thoughts and watching my time intervals. I thought about how much support I received during the competition to make the Evotri team, especially from my hometown, and how fortunate I am to be given this opportunity. I thought about my beautiful wife who loves me more than I could ever deserve. I thought about my 4 daughters who are bright, talented, and well-adjusted. I thought about my mother and my mother-in-law who take care of my needs before I even realize that I need something. I thought about my extended family of relatives and friends who would do anything for me at any time. I thought about my office staff who support me, and practice partners who treat me like a brother, and a son. I'm not sure what the prevailing wind was yesterday, but the mental winds were howling at my back.

I wish every workout could be so special.

7 comments:

Michelle said...

Soak it all in. That is such a great feeling!

Stef0115 said...

There is nothing like your hometown being behind you/there for you. I grew up in rural northern Nevada and have experienced this first hand. Way to go on the run!

Tracy said...

Wow...

Well welcome to blogland Charlie Parsiola. That was an incredible bit of writing there my friend...

Comm's said...

I used to feel the same way about hills. Hated them. Just seeing them made me slow down. Now I can't wait to attack them. it really takes my mind away from all the 'up there' I do when its flat.

exchanging a physical game for a mental one.

kodiacbear said...

There is nothing else like it...

tri-cajun's_#1_fans said...

Tri-cajun! Looo-ooove it!

This is so cool, Charlie! We will be totally training vicariously through you & will follow your blog while drinking all of the beer you won't be able to because you will be so full of Perpetuem :)

Great job!

Tracy & John

Anonymous said...

I always say the running is my meditation...
& yes, your wife IS smokin HOT!!!!

xo carla