Don't panic, relax, and don't do or wear anything new on race day. Stick to what you know.
That said, here are some things that I've learned over my last few marathons.
(1) EAT & DRINK. Be aware that what you eat and drink during the race is really only providing sugar for your brain so your brain doesn't wisen up and tell you to stop. While that is great for avoiding the dreaded wall, what's most important to your body is what you put in your tank this Friday and Saturday. Carbs, proteins, nothing super-dehydrating, water, electrolytes, those are all going to fuel your body on race day, not the power bar at Mile 15. That's for your head.
(3) PREP. Make a check list and lay out all your gear the night before, including writing your emergency information on the back of your bib, pinning your bib to your shirt in such a way that it doesn't interfere with anything you might have around your waist, and attach your chip to your shoe. A helpful trick is to crumple up the bib a few times so that it doesn't feel so stiff and awkward when you run. They're really durable. They can take it. Also, don't plan on partying the two nights before the race. Sleep as long as you can Friday night in case nerves make you restless the night before. Set multiple alarms and arrive to the route as early as you possibly can. You don't want to be doing the pee-pee dance for the first few miles.
(4) PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. Put away your iPod and write your name on your shirt instead. You'll get a much bigger boost by strangers cheering you on than the soundtrack to Chariots of Fire. If music is all that gets you through, then listen to it. I won't stop you. But be open to the goose-bumpy high you get from folks cheering your name and the serenity that comes with quiet stretches along St. Helens Road and the incline up to the St. John's Bridge. After that, those last miles are mostly flat or downhill and the view is tremendous. You can do it!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
tip #101
In these last few days leading up to the marathon and Mayor's Walk, we are tapering off training. We are resting and doing the things we need to do to be in optimal condition to go our chosen distance.
Here is one simple tip I learned from friends at a relay this summer. And it's the perfect week of event thing to do: trim your toenails! That's right. Trim them right down to avoid blistering, bruising, and potential loss of nails.
Here is one simple tip I learned from friends at a relay this summer. And it's the perfect week of event thing to do: trim your toenails! That's right. Trim them right down to avoid blistering, bruising, and potential loss of nails.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Perspective
A friend was planning to do the Mayor's Walk with me on October 4th. Unfortunately, she had outpatient surgery, which resulted in about 20 stitches, and the doctor telling her it wouldn't be a good idea. The stitches come out just before the event.
My friend was bummed. We did the event together last year - the first time either of us had participated. We were looking forward to doing it together this year - 12 months of fitness training and miles walking/paddling/biking/elipticalling (I know, that's not a word!). She felt badly that I might have to do it without a walking partner; I told her it was fine, I would use it as my pace training that day.
She laughed. She reminded me that last year we stood there at the start on the bluff near UofP, with our eyes toward downtown and nearly cried. It looked so far; it was drizzly; it was only our second event and it was an overwhelming site. Now here I am saying "it's my pace training for the week."
Things do change. With training and persistence, things improve. And it's important to look at my accomplishments sometimes, too. It's too easy for me to look at what didn't go as planned, e.g. "darn, I only did 17.5 minute miles today; what happened?" or "wow, I didn't stretch enough and my right shin and big toe are so cramped." Those may be true. But it's also true that, while completing the 10k at 2 hours and 9 minutes last year was great - this year I'm aiming to complete it in under 1 hr 42 minutes.
Keeping perspective is important. And friends can help do that.
My friend was bummed. We did the event together last year - the first time either of us had participated. We were looking forward to doing it together this year - 12 months of fitness training and miles walking/paddling/biking/elipticalling (I know, that's not a word!). She felt badly that I might have to do it without a walking partner; I told her it was fine, I would use it as my pace training that day.
She laughed. She reminded me that last year we stood there at the start on the bluff near UofP, with our eyes toward downtown and nearly cried. It looked so far; it was drizzly; it was only our second event and it was an overwhelming site. Now here I am saying "it's my pace training for the week."
Things do change. With training and persistence, things improve. And it's important to look at my accomplishments sometimes, too. It's too easy for me to look at what didn't go as planned, e.g. "darn, I only did 17.5 minute miles today; what happened?" or "wow, I didn't stretch enough and my right shin and big toe are so cramped." Those may be true. But it's also true that, while completing the 10k at 2 hours and 9 minutes last year was great - this year I'm aiming to complete it in under 1 hr 42 minutes.
Keeping perspective is important. And friends can help do that.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
SMILE. TRUST. BE.
A few years back I was given the words Smile Trust Be as a mantra. These words were given meaning and meant to inspire me and keep me strong as I set out on a new journey in life. Over the years these words have changed and taken on new meaning for me as I change and grow. Sometimes, I forget about them and forget to Smile, Trust and Be. Usually, though, they spring up in my mind right when I need them again. I haven’t much thought about them throughout my training, but the other day my eyes swept across my Swiss army knife, the object that carries these words, and I was once again thinking about their meaning and how they inspire me today.
SMILE.
Smile when it hurts. Smile when you have done well. Remember to smile when you are running. It makes it better and not enough runners smile when we run and that is a shame. Smile with the glory. Smile even if you have been defeated, because this will lift your spirits. Smile at the energy that has been sent to you by so many loving and supportive individuals – then send that energy back because it will make the world a better place.
TRUST.
Trust my body and mind will take me through this process. Trust in the Universe and God for giving me a strong body and mind. Trust that what will be will be and I can only give what I have, the rest is up to a higher being. Trust that my body won’t slowly break apart. Everything is still attached and will remain so throughout the marathon. Trust that I am succeeding every time I go out there. Trust that people are cheering me on. Trust that I am amazing and focused and determined. Trust that I CAN do this!
BE.
Be in the moment. In every moment. Soak up the sun, the rain, the sweat and the tears. Feel it. Live it. Dream it! Listen to your breath and how it cools and nourishes your body and soul. Feel my feet hit the pavement every time and be thankful every time. Be focused. Be happy. Be kind. On October 4th, Be. Just be. Enjoy your day to shine and be cheered on. Enjoy all of the work and sweat that you have put into this goal.
Thank you J & J – These words are one of the best gifts I have ever received!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
..and recovery is easier than we think
A few weeks into training for last year's Portland Marathon (to-date my personal best), I realized that everything I'd been hearing and reading was right: what I did to recover from my runs was just as important as the runs themselves. My muscles, my joints, even my outlook on life and my masochistic pursuits of running long distances, are all much improved if I stick to a little recovery ritual after long runs. These might be even more important than any pre-run stretch, as overstretching when the muscles aren't warmed up is a cause of injury for many. These steps will sound painful, but no more painful than the runs themselves. You will thank me the day after.
(1) STRETCH. Duh. I get back from a long run and all I want to do is maybe shake my muscles out for a minute or two, but that's it. A shower and some food and a nap sound a lot more pressing. Especially that food part. Mmmmm. Food. But...going through a host of yoga stretches first and then rolling every square inch of your legs on a foam roller (which is only painful because YOU NEED IT), does wonders to break up lactic acid and start the process of flushing toxins (including all those GUs and gels and sports drinks you've been ingesting). At least 10-15 minutes right after your run while your muscles are still warm. Trust me. Then...
(2) SWIM. I plan my runs so that I start and end at my gym where I not only have access to things like foam rollers, yoga mats, and a scale, but a big cold pool as well. A few laps and I not only feel refreshed, but I've done that second round of stretching to break all the bad stuff up. I feel like a million bucks afterward. Doesn't matter the stroke you use and water-jogging feels good, too, if you want to try that. Then...
(3) ICE BATH. This is the last thing you want to hear, but try this and thank me. I go straight home and run cold water in the bath until it's half way full, enough to cover my legs completely. I dump a bag of ice in. Just one bag. No need to go crazy. I put on a warm coat and a wool cap and I sit in that bath for about fifteen minutes popping fruit like candy and sipping hot green tea with honey (anti-oxidants + glucose, yum). It only hurts for a little bit and once you're done, you'll take a shower and feel even better than after your swim.
Do all this, eat and sleep like you mean it, and make sure you're taking vitamin and mineral supplements regularly and your body will be ready to attack the next week of runs. I promise.
(1) STRETCH. Duh. I get back from a long run and all I want to do is maybe shake my muscles out for a minute or two, but that's it. A shower and some food and a nap sound a lot more pressing. Especially that food part. Mmmmm. Food. But...going through a host of yoga stretches first and then rolling every square inch of your legs on a foam roller (which is only painful because YOU NEED IT), does wonders to break up lactic acid and start the process of flushing toxins (including all those GUs and gels and sports drinks you've been ingesting). At least 10-15 minutes right after your run while your muscles are still warm. Trust me. Then...
(2) SWIM. I plan my runs so that I start and end at my gym where I not only have access to things like foam rollers, yoga mats, and a scale, but a big cold pool as well. A few laps and I not only feel refreshed, but I've done that second round of stretching to break all the bad stuff up. I feel like a million bucks afterward. Doesn't matter the stroke you use and water-jogging feels good, too, if you want to try that. Then...
(3) ICE BATH. This is the last thing you want to hear, but try this and thank me. I go straight home and run cold water in the bath until it's half way full, enough to cover my legs completely. I dump a bag of ice in. Just one bag. No need to go crazy. I put on a warm coat and a wool cap and I sit in that bath for about fifteen minutes popping fruit like candy and sipping hot green tea with honey (anti-oxidants + glucose, yum). It only hurts for a little bit and once you're done, you'll take a shower and feel even better than after your swim.
Do all this, eat and sleep like you mean it, and make sure you're taking vitamin and mineral supplements regularly and your body will be ready to attack the next week of runs. I promise.
training matters
I know training is important. But some days I just don't want to get out the door. Or I realize I didn't leave enough time to warm-up and stretch and then do the training and have enough time to get back, shower, change and get to work on time.
Then I think, that's okay, I'll skip the stretching. I'm doing pretty well and it'll be okay. Or, I'll cut the warm-up short or - if I'm only scheduled to do 5k, well, it's just 5k, I don't need to warm up.
My body generally reminds me a few minutes in that I need to do these things. Gently if I listen the first time; loudly a couple hours or one day later if I ignore it. So I've learned to listen to my body.
And I've learned to listen to those around me. A friend was recently talking about a walk she did and how she realized a ways into it that she needed to do some more training before doing a half marathon. She's in good shape but more achey than I am and with a couple other issues after our walk because she's not training.
I notice. My training is definitely decreasing my hurts and increasing my speed of recovery from tired or achey muscles. I can do this. I am doing this.
.
Then I think, that's okay, I'll skip the stretching. I'm doing pretty well and it'll be okay. Or, I'll cut the warm-up short or - if I'm only scheduled to do 5k, well, it's just 5k, I don't need to warm up.
My body generally reminds me a few minutes in that I need to do these things. Gently if I listen the first time; loudly a couple hours or one day later if I ignore it. So I've learned to listen to my body.
And I've learned to listen to those around me. A friend was recently talking about a walk she did and how she realized a ways into it that she needed to do some more training before doing a half marathon. She's in good shape but more achey than I am and with a couple other issues after our walk because she's not training.
I notice. My training is definitely decreasing my hurts and increasing my speed of recovery from tired or achey muscles. I can do this. I am doing this.
.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Guess Who Else Runs and Writes?
Kay Ryan, the current US Poet Laureate, is a runner! You can read an interview with her in the recent issue of Runner's World:
The same issue also has an article about how running for a charity can be great motivation:
Big thanks to Robyn for the heads up on this great resource.
The same issue also has an article about how running for a charity can be great motivation:
Big thanks to Robyn for the heads up on this great resource.
Monday, September 21, 2009
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY!!!
I've been a little reflective this past week, thinking about the hundreds of training miles I've put on my poor shoes (and knees) these past few months and all the little things that make it worthwhile...
The sharp dialogue from James Cain's Mildred Pierce, one of the longer audiobooks I've run-read over the course of training.
The gurgle of Balch Creek at sunrise.
An osprey bringing a fish home to its nest along the Springwater Corridor.
The sharp pain of a bee sting on a solo run around Timothy Lake.
The swoosh of a long black tail in tall grass twenty minutes later I thought was a cougar but turned out to be a cow.
The co-worker I've helped guide to the starting line of his first marathon.
Thinking of ways to rewrite a short story.
The tingle of ice baths while sipping hot tea.
A well-deserved heaping of chilaquiles.
Planning my day.
Forgetting about planning.
An appreciation of abundance.
The sharp dialogue from James Cain's Mildred Pierce, one of the longer audiobooks I've run-read over the course of training.
The gurgle of Balch Creek at sunrise.
An osprey bringing a fish home to its nest along the Springwater Corridor.
The sharp pain of a bee sting on a solo run around Timothy Lake.
The swoosh of a long black tail in tall grass twenty minutes later I thought was a cougar but turned out to be a cow.
The co-worker I've helped guide to the starting line of his first marathon.
Thinking of ways to rewrite a short story.
The tingle of ice baths while sipping hot tea.
A well-deserved heaping of chilaquiles.
Planning my day.
Forgetting about planning.
An appreciation of abundance.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
All in the Timing
This morning I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure. A small group of friends and I decided to do the Women's 5k Untimed Run.
Remember, me, the walker? And I just said I did the run? What we really did is that, out of the 7 of us, 2 were going to run, 3 of us are in training for the half-marathon, and the other 2 were planning to walk.
It was a brilliant plan and it worked. We started near the back of that event's pack - with the slower runners (over 10-minute miles). Our original plan was to to all run across the start line and then the walkers to slow to our walking pace (either training or regular walking) after a block or two.
Luckily, the start was so slow that everyone except those in the very front were fast walking across the start once you got there. Even the smaller pack of runners were starting out walking due to the number of participants.
So - the deal with the few seconds is this. I kept up a pretty good pace, although I know that one of the two I was walking with was slowing her pace for us. After we did the up and over the bridge, loop up on Naito to make it the full 10k and then headed back for the finish line, I saw the timer coming into view.
I was pretty bummed when I got close enough to see the numbers and not just the red glow on a black rectangle. I could see that I was going to cross that finish line at about 49 minutes and that was slower than my recent times of similar length. I computed the numbers in my head. Bummer. Too slow.
Without going into the convoluted math I do in my head (round here and approximate there to make it easy to compute) - the actual numbers came out better when I had a calculator. It's funny - because I keep forgetting that knocking off .1 or .2 of a mile to make it easier to divide, or ignoring the true seconds and rounding up - it all works against me when I'm looking at pace.
What went as a disappointing approximately 17-minute miles to an acceptable actual calculation of 15.2-minute miles showed me that, yet again, seconds do count.
The little pieces of time, the actual measurements, each step, counts.
Just like each $5 or $10 or whatever amount our friends, family, co-workers can drop in our hands or put on our FirstGiving pages counts for Write Around Portland.
Remember, me, the walker? And I just said I did the run? What we really did is that, out of the 7 of us, 2 were going to run, 3 of us are in training for the half-marathon, and the other 2 were planning to walk.
It was a brilliant plan and it worked. We started near the back of that event's pack - with the slower runners (over 10-minute miles). Our original plan was to to all run across the start line and then the walkers to slow to our walking pace (either training or regular walking) after a block or two.
Luckily, the start was so slow that everyone except those in the very front were fast walking across the start once you got there. Even the smaller pack of runners were starting out walking due to the number of participants.
So - the deal with the few seconds is this. I kept up a pretty good pace, although I know that one of the two I was walking with was slowing her pace for us. After we did the up and over the bridge, loop up on Naito to make it the full 10k and then headed back for the finish line, I saw the timer coming into view.
I was pretty bummed when I got close enough to see the numbers and not just the red glow on a black rectangle. I could see that I was going to cross that finish line at about 49 minutes and that was slower than my recent times of similar length. I computed the numbers in my head. Bummer. Too slow.
Without going into the convoluted math I do in my head (round here and approximate there to make it easy to compute) - the actual numbers came out better when I had a calculator. It's funny - because I keep forgetting that knocking off .1 or .2 of a mile to make it easier to divide, or ignoring the true seconds and rounding up - it all works against me when I'm looking at pace.
What went as a disappointing approximately 17-minute miles to an acceptable actual calculation of 15.2-minute miles showed me that, yet again, seconds do count.
The little pieces of time, the actual measurements, each step, counts.
Just like each $5 or $10 or whatever amount our friends, family, co-workers can drop in our hands or put on our FirstGiving pages counts for Write Around Portland.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Over $860 Raised So Far
Today's post is a big huge THANK YOU to our top three fundraisers!
Stacy Brewster, Angela Stacklin and Dot Hearn have raised $865 so far and will be running and walking on October 4 to raise awareness and donations for Write Around Portland. Thanks so much for your support and dedication to the organization.
17 more days to train, write and raise for Run (Or Walk) Around for Write Around Portland!
Stacy Brewster, Angela Stacklin and Dot Hearn have raised $865 so far and will be running and walking on October 4 to raise awareness and donations for Write Around Portland. Thanks so much for your support and dedication to the organization.
17 more days to train, write and raise for Run (Or Walk) Around for Write Around Portland!
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Signs Are Up!
I set out on a quick 4 mile run this afternoon. I am really enjoying the "Taper" part of training where the miles decrease every week instead of increase! Anyway... today I was in a funk. I needed inspiration. I even posted to Facebook begging my virtual friends to send me some energy, but I just was not feelin' it today.
Alas, what so we do as runners? We run. So, instead of commiserating about my fowl mood. I ran. Part of my runs usually include the Waterfront, and today was no different. Except, today, I noticed new banners on the lamp posts. PORTLAND MARATHON BANNERS!?!?!? At this moment, all at once I felt all of shock, fear, excitement, panic, sadness and elation all at once. It is coming so quickly! It will be here before we know it! It seemed that this one moment zapped all my pain and anxiety and, for today, I finished my run with a smile on my face.
After October 4th my pain, fear, sore muscles and anxiety will have passed and I will miss it. I have evolved in these past 5 months of training. I am different. I am better. I am making a commitment to savor my last weeks of training and the wonderful feeling that comes with accomplishing a goal.
Happy training!
Alas, what so we do as runners? We run. So, instead of commiserating about my fowl mood. I ran. Part of my runs usually include the Waterfront, and today was no different. Except, today, I noticed new banners on the lamp posts. PORTLAND MARATHON BANNERS!?!?!? At this moment, all at once I felt all of shock, fear, excitement, panic, sadness and elation all at once. It is coming so quickly! It will be here before we know it! It seemed that this one moment zapped all my pain and anxiety and, for today, I finished my run with a smile on my face.
After October 4th my pain, fear, sore muscles and anxiety will have passed and I will miss it. I have evolved in these past 5 months of training. I am different. I am better. I am making a commitment to savor my last weeks of training and the wonderful feeling that comes with accomplishing a goal.
Happy training!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
inspiration is a two-way happening
Last week I took my distance training day off - on the advice of my doctor because of pain in my Achilles tendon; but still. I took it off. I did a one-mile stroll with a friend the next day. Then I missed my pace training 2 days later; same reason. I did the 4 miles of the pace training, but at regular speed - not speedy speed. That was this last Monday.
On Tuesday I did my strength training and regular walking (several short brisk-ish walks totalling an hour scattered in between my jobs).
Then it was Wednesday and time for my hill training (in preparation for the half marathon in Seattle; I don't need it for the Portland Mayor's Walk!). I was concerned about my heel and feeling a little frustrated about missing the distance day and not doing the pace training. And doubting myself. Not wanting to do it - up and down the hill to Mt Tabor several times.
I distracted myself by checking my email. Which turned out to be the perfect anecdote to my funk. There was the following email from my dragon boat / half-marathon walking / whitewater rafting friend :
I went out with a smile and walked up and down the hill. And without any pain in my foot but with a renewed sense of "I can do this."
Thank you, Karen, for your perfectly timed counter-insprational note. And I did feel better for having done it.
On Tuesday I did my strength training and regular walking (several short brisk-ish walks totalling an hour scattered in between my jobs).
Then it was Wednesday and time for my hill training (in preparation for the half marathon in Seattle; I don't need it for the Portland Mayor's Walk!). I was concerned about my heel and feeling a little frustrated about missing the distance day and not doing the pace training. And doubting myself. Not wanting to do it - up and down the hill to Mt Tabor several times.
I distracted myself by checking my email. Which turned out to be the perfect anecdote to my funk. There was the following email from my dragon boat / half-marathon walking / whitewater rafting friend :
Hi Dot... every now and then I check in on your writing [on your website, The Writing Vein] ... and I love reading what you write! I also just wanted to tell you that it inspired me because I'm getting to the point where I think about going out for a run/walk or walk and I don't want to... but you remind me that I will feel better if I go and do it. Thank you for that!...oh, and she's a MissFit Alliance Race for the Cure teammate, too.
I was just going to go do the 1/2 Marathon without training but think I'd better get out there and get my feet in condition!
Don't forget the Race for the Cure on the 20th!
I went out with a smile and walked up and down the hill. And without any pain in my foot but with a renewed sense of "I can do this."
Thank you, Karen, for your perfectly timed counter-insprational note. And I did feel better for having done it.
Pre-race Writing Session?
Hope everyone is healthy and enjoying the last few weeks before the marathon. Is there any interest in the group for a pre-race day writing session? It could be as casual as a cup of coffee and a few prompts.
Please comment directly to this post, post a separate post or send me an email if you'd like to meet before the big day.
Enjoy the warm and sunny weather this weekend. I'm heading out for a run after just a little more coffee.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Success
This week was a particularly challenging week. Twenty miles in one day, forty in one week, I never thought I would be able to claim these statements. During my twenty mile run, I learned how easy it is to let the negative thoughts creep in. After running about 10 miles I gave up. There, I said it. I finished the 20 miles, but walked most of the rest of it. Cried part of it, and was down right pissed off. By the time I got home, I had conceded the fact that today was not going to be the day I ran 20 miles without stopping. Today, my marathon was going to be working through some of my demons, and I was ok with that. What I wasn’t ok with was that I let myself down.
I had a nice long chat with my sister, Jen, a.k.a. my spiritual adviser/best friend/cheerleader. She asked me what it means to succeed in this experience of running a marathon. I know that the answer should be obvious, but, for me, I am just starting to realize what it all means. This experience is changing my life and I have only just started to see and feel this all happening. At first, success meant finishing and the absolute accomplishment would be to run the whole thing. I realize now that this is the first time in my life that I have wanted something this badly. I don’t care so much about the physical side of this race; I’ll take last place with pride. The mental and psychological part that comes with training for and participating in a marathon, those are my battles.
Success…
Pushing myself every day
Showing up
Remembering all the wonderful people that are cheering me on when it gets difficult
Being honest with myself
Doing my absolute best in every attempt
Staying positive
Loving this process
Loving myself
This is what success is for me.
Windsong
Here is a piece to inspire all of you runners, walkers, writers and the rest of us who want some encouragement to face those daily hurdles. Windsong is written by Write Around Portland workshop participant Marbear, from the Sequoia Mental Health group. This piece was recently published in our summer 2009 anthology The Cracks in the Paint.
Windsong
I've been thinking about:
Running as fast as the wind. Jumping over hurdles in my way. My heart thumping like a rhythmic drum, sweat sticking to my skin. Freedom at last, no one can contain me, I am the wind carried to and fro. My illness cannot find or catch me, my hurt won't pierce my soul again...running, jumping, flying away. My spirit soars, up, over, and away from it all.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Walking in Silence
The relationship between walking and writing has been amply discussed. There has historically been a connection between the meditative act of walking and that of writing--both solitary and thoughtful activities. As Friedrich Nietzsche aptly put, "All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking." I wonder what Nietzsche (and, indeed, all other walker/thinkers of old) would think about the advent of the 'walkman,' 'discman,' ipod or mp3 player. If we can walk everywhere with our own music, podcasts, audiobooks or radio playing all the time, are we not de-activating our natural thinking process?
In the last year I have become addicted to listening to podcasts and audiobooks all the time--while I'm cooking by myself, walking to the grocery store, watering the garden, getting ready for work, going for a jog. This, I feel, is brilliant multi-tasking; suddenly I can do it all and learn/read while I'm doing it.
Recently, however, my ipod broke and I have since been walking and running and doing everything else in silence. My dependency on the constant stimulation became apparent; I had the frantic sensation that I wasn't accomplishing as much as I could be. This was especially painful when it came to exercise. Instead of running/walking and 'reading'(hearing) the front page of the newspaper or some good short story, I was now only exercising. However, I found that my mind, now unfocused, bounced freely from idea to idea, moving without boundaries or any traceable trajectory. Now with no stimulating narrative being fed to me as I ran, I focused more on my body as well as on my surroundings. I wondered about the people in their houses, who were they and why had they chosen to paint their house that color? I heard my own breathing; was I always so loud? Even my muscles screamed a little bit louder than usual.
My ipod is now fixed, but I am trying to use it in a more balanced manner. I am still an avid believer in the audiobook, the podcast, talk radio, etc. and I am not about to give it up in the name of silence. However, I think that there is something to be said about just going for a walk, totally unadulterated. After all, if I am feeding myself information all the time, when will I have time to formulate any 'truly great thoughts' of my own. So, for Nietszche's sake, I will now walk home from the coffee shop in silence.
In the last year I have become addicted to listening to podcasts and audiobooks all the time--while I'm cooking by myself, walking to the grocery store, watering the garden, getting ready for work, going for a jog. This, I feel, is brilliant multi-tasking; suddenly I can do it all and learn/read while I'm doing it.
Recently, however, my ipod broke and I have since been walking and running and doing everything else in silence. My dependency on the constant stimulation became apparent; I had the frantic sensation that I wasn't accomplishing as much as I could be. This was especially painful when it came to exercise. Instead of running/walking and 'reading'(hearing) the front page of the newspaper or some good short story, I was now only exercising. However, I found that my mind, now unfocused, bounced freely from idea to idea, moving without boundaries or any traceable trajectory. Now with no stimulating narrative being fed to me as I ran, I focused more on my body as well as on my surroundings. I wondered about the people in their houses, who were they and why had they chosen to paint their house that color? I heard my own breathing; was I always so loud? Even my muscles screamed a little bit louder than usual.
My ipod is now fixed, but I am trying to use it in a more balanced manner. I am still an avid believer in the audiobook, the podcast, talk radio, etc. and I am not about to give it up in the name of silence. However, I think that there is something to be said about just going for a walk, totally unadulterated. After all, if I am feeding myself information all the time, when will I have time to formulate any 'truly great thoughts' of my own. So, for Nietszche's sake, I will now walk home from the coffee shop in silence.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Run Around for Write Around generates its first poem...
In my thank you email from firstgiving.com, I made sure to drop in a couple of prompts for my donors, hopefully inspiring them to write a little, too. Here's a great poem my mom's friend Sherry wrote:
After I died I felt very sad,
I also felt giddy and pretty damned mad.
I thought my life passed just a little too fast,
There was much more to do, but it was all in the past.
I wished I had climbed to the world’s tallest peak,
Or kept my mouth shut rather than having to speak.
I could have worked harder to bring about change.
Or written a book, or ridden the range.
But I didn’t do all of those things that I might
I napped in the day...I stayed up at night.
I had me some fun at the Iowa Fair.
I gained me some weight...I colored my hair.
I loved my husband, my kids, and good brie.
I got rid of those folks who didn’t love me.
I’m hoping they said on the day that I died,
“She did a good job.” “She tried...how she tried.”
After I died I felt very sad,
I also felt giddy and pretty damned mad.
I thought my life passed just a little too fast,
There was much more to do, but it was all in the past.
I wished I had climbed to the world’s tallest peak,
Or kept my mouth shut rather than having to speak.
I could have worked harder to bring about change.
Or written a book, or ridden the range.
But I didn’t do all of those things that I might
I napped in the day...I stayed up at night.
I had me some fun at the Iowa Fair.
I gained me some weight...I colored my hair.
I loved my husband, my kids, and good brie.
I got rid of those folks who didn’t love me.
I’m hoping they said on the day that I died,
“She did a good job.” “She tried...how she tried.”
walking around for write around
I will be walking the 10k Mayor's Walk in the Portland Marathon. I am a walker, not a runner - and I'm fine with that. I am not a race walker, I am a walker who is increasing her pace little by little, with a current goal of doing under 17 minute miles in a half marathon in November. And I'm okay with that, too.
I read Loren's post with a knowing nod about what keeps you going when you don't feel like it. I am just coming out of one of those stretches where I've had to drag myself out the door to go for the 5-mile pace building training walk, or the 8-mile distance building walk, or to walk up and down the hill to Mt Tabor 5 - 7 times. And that's been okay, too.
So what does keep me going?
Sometimes it's noticing how I'm feeling - like the time two weeks ago when I took a day off due to fatigue, and it was the day after my training day off. I was feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. So on the third day I set out on my training walk and I'd gone only a fraction of the miles I had to go and that cloud of doom lifted and I thought, ahhhh. Recognizing that my body has become used to the daily routine. Easier and cheaper than another therapy appointment or anti-depression medication *grin*. Or it's my partner telling me I've become a little crabby and wouldn't a walk feel good? And I know she's right. And it does.
Sometimes I keep going because I've signed up for some events and rallied others to join me on events I haven't signed up for yet. An example is that Sunday I thought, there is no way I can do that 8 miles today and then I remembered that, after the Mayor's Walk, my next event is the half-marathon in Seattle in November. Which now feels not so far away; and I'm out the door with shoes laced and my Camelbak full with a package of Stingers in my pocket.
The same is true of writing. If I go too long without being actively engaged in the writing process, I get cranky. I start feeling bottled up. Stuck. And sometimes I have to completely close that internal critic's eye and just write. I keep myself enrolled in a "Lit Star Training" course with Ariel Gore so that writing is kept on my list of things to do, with weekly assignments and peer feedback. And I find submission deadlines to give me an end-point or a reason to keep revising.
I write because I have something to say.
I walk because I feel better when I do and because I don't want to lose the muscle I've gained or gain the weight I've lost.
I walk and I write because sometimes I find myself smiling for no apparent reason, except that it feels good to be alive and I have something to look forward to. Or maybe I have a kayak tucked in the back of my car. Or snowshoes in the closet waiting for the snow to fall.
Or I find myself halfway up the four flights of stairs to Write Around Portland to pick up my facilitator's bag and realize I didn't even consider taking the elevator.
I read Loren's post with a knowing nod about what keeps you going when you don't feel like it. I am just coming out of one of those stretches where I've had to drag myself out the door to go for the 5-mile pace building training walk, or the 8-mile distance building walk, or to walk up and down the hill to Mt Tabor 5 - 7 times. And that's been okay, too.
So what does keep me going?
Sometimes it's noticing how I'm feeling - like the time two weeks ago when I took a day off due to fatigue, and it was the day after my training day off. I was feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. So on the third day I set out on my training walk and I'd gone only a fraction of the miles I had to go and that cloud of doom lifted and I thought, ahhhh. Recognizing that my body has become used to the daily routine. Easier and cheaper than another therapy appointment or anti-depression medication *grin*. Or it's my partner telling me I've become a little crabby and wouldn't a walk feel good? And I know she's right. And it does.
Sometimes I keep going because I've signed up for some events and rallied others to join me on events I haven't signed up for yet. An example is that Sunday I thought, there is no way I can do that 8 miles today and then I remembered that, after the Mayor's Walk, my next event is the half-marathon in Seattle in November. Which now feels not so far away; and I'm out the door with shoes laced and my Camelbak full with a package of Stingers in my pocket.
The same is true of writing. If I go too long without being actively engaged in the writing process, I get cranky. I start feeling bottled up. Stuck. And sometimes I have to completely close that internal critic's eye and just write. I keep myself enrolled in a "Lit Star Training" course with Ariel Gore so that writing is kept on my list of things to do, with weekly assignments and peer feedback. And I find submission deadlines to give me an end-point or a reason to keep revising.
I write because I have something to say.
I walk because I feel better when I do and because I don't want to lose the muscle I've gained or gain the weight I've lost.
I walk and I write because sometimes I find myself smiling for no apparent reason, except that it feels good to be alive and I have something to look forward to. Or maybe I have a kayak tucked in the back of my car. Or snowshoes in the closet waiting for the snow to fall.
Or I find myself halfway up the four flights of stairs to Write Around Portland to pick up my facilitator's bag and realize I didn't even consider taking the elevator.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Five Miles in My Head
Another five miles in my head. Another five miles cutting through my neighborhood and climbing Thurman to Forest Park.
Then I remember to slow down. My legs continue to propel me at what feels like breakneck speed (today was a good day) but my mind slows down. Instead of racing ahead to the rest of my day I remember to enjoy this moment. I remind myself that this is the only moment that will look and feel like this. This run, as many times as I run it, will never be the same.
The sunlight won't sneak past the trees at quite the same angle. The bushes won't be cut in just the same way. As I run through the park I see two little girls fighting over a toy. They may fight over many things as they grow up but it will never be as it was today.
Another five miles in my head. Another five miles to absorb the world instead of rocketing past. Without another five miles would I have another story?
Then I remember to slow down. My legs continue to propel me at what feels like breakneck speed (today was a good day) but my mind slows down. Instead of racing ahead to the rest of my day I remember to enjoy this moment. I remind myself that this is the only moment that will look and feel like this. This run, as many times as I run it, will never be the same.
The sunlight won't sneak past the trees at quite the same angle. The bushes won't be cut in just the same way. As I run through the park I see two little girls fighting over a toy. They may fight over many things as they grow up but it will never be as it was today.
Another five miles in my head. Another five miles to absorb the world instead of rocketing past. Without another five miles would I have another story?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Why Write, Why Run?
Haruki Murakami wrote a book on the subject of the connection between writing and running, titled, What I Talk About when I Talk About Running. Though I considered the book relatively un-engaging (certainly compared with his magically quirky novels), I thought that the premise was provocative. Murikami started running for a practical reason: to stay in shape. Sitting still at a desk for so many hours while writing needed to be supplemented with physical activity, and running, which can be done anywhere at anytime, was the obvious choice for Murikami. He continues to run everyday and has run many marathons. For Murikami, running is a way to clear the mind and release all the energy and tension accumulated during the long hours writing. Running is a process of letting go, though he admits it is not always enjoyable. Running is very often a painful experience, from the minute you lace your shoes up to the moment you finally take them off; sometimes your body just doesn't want to work. Murikami feels that working through the pain during running is good training for writing, as so much of the writing process is painful and requires extreme self-discipline.
The pain aspect of the running-writing relationship is familiar, I'm sure, to anyone who runs or writes. So what keeps us going? What is it that drives us through the pain? Why put your body or mind through such exhaustive and unpleasant measures? On those days when you don't want to run, or don't want to write, what is it that forces you to do so? I would love to hear feedback or future posts on this topic...
The pain aspect of the running-writing relationship is familiar, I'm sure, to anyone who runs or writes. So what keeps us going? What is it that drives us through the pain? Why put your body or mind through such exhaustive and unpleasant measures? On those days when you don't want to run, or don't want to write, what is it that forces you to do so? I would love to hear feedback or future posts on this topic...
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