2021.11.30 - This Running Life
Running, a multifaceted, revitalizing sport for our mind, body, and life. I spent some time today reworking the layout for Run Woodstock so we will be ready to open registration on December 1st. Just walking this wonderful piece of wilderness and picturing how each campsite might be set up brought an emotional high, a flashback to a magic weekend. Camping is pretty cool on its own merits, bringing a variety of people outside and away from the man-made world we live in day-to-day. It struck me that the magic of Run Woodstock was not just from the natural beauty and aspect of camping but from our shared love of running that brought us together. I pictured conversations around the campfire sharing our goals with others who get it and how different a weekend devoted to running is from the day-to-day loner miles we put in. Or when we go to races where we show up, share pain and glory, perhaps a post-race beer, then head back to our daily lives.
This running life, never easy, always worth it,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is content knowing running plays a huge part of the meaning of life and my priorities are sound.
On Thanksgiving Day, more people lace up their shoes and run in races than any other day of the year. Turkey Trots are pretty darn cool, these hopeful, healthy traditions with family and friends show that no matter what our differences, we can celebrate, sweat and smile together as one running community. We will all get up stupid early and face the dark, and for us in the north, the cold, making that turkey dinner and spot on the couch all that more special.
The weather is about to go to hell on us, it’s time to light the winter running fire. I admit to not being a fan of the cold, I don’t like to work in it, stand around in it or do the day-to-day stuff in it. That said, the only thing I don’t mind is going for a run in the cold. We can always dress for a winter run, unlike a hot summer run with few options. Running into darkness and clicking on the headlamp, putting fresh tracks into new snow, or running into a frozen sunrise all add a layer of adventure not found with a so-called, nice day. Finishing a run on a wicked day brings a sense of accomplishment and a lift to our self-esteem, often, leaving us with a smug smile of satisfaction on our face that will have others wondering, what’s up?
Ego has no place in our sport, an old message but so important in these days of social media, and it’s more like social media on steroids after a year of pandemic pandemonium. We must never compare our running to anyone else’s. Our pace, mileage and every aspect of our fitness and health are uniquely our own. Every mile we put in is incredible, there are no easy runs. In this complicated world, just getting out the door is something we can be proud of. So, when I see posts of people running 20 miles on a Tuesday morning at a pace I can’t even run a mile, when just a minute before I was thrilled that I got out and ran two miles, that my effort seems diminished, WHEN IT WAS NOT IN THE LEAST! As I said, an old but important message, ego has no place … My 2 miles rocked!
I ran by a port-o-jon this morning and as odd as it may sound, the smell reminded me of all I miss about live events. Small things like the friendly banter in the start corrals and the odd gap of time between the starting gun and when we finally start to move forward. And the big stuff, like crossing the finish line and the shared celebration of accomplishment and hard earned pain. Races are finally inching their way back, they look a bit different with staggered starts, social distancing and mask wearing at pinch points but the basics, a running clock, a measured distance and our effort to run our planned pace and accomplish our goals makes the small stuff seem a small inconvenience.
Lack of human companionship due to COVID-19 and endless cold, gray days are taking a toll. I headed out this morning into an icy wind, I overdressed a bit to help mentally get my butt out the door and to take the initial slap out of it, knowing I would regret the layers after a while as I started to sweat and create more of a chilling problem. When I do this I will often wear a pack to take off layers or to add them, usually just on the long run, a mistake not to have had it today. Live and learn, sometimes. Anyway, we ran along in a silent cold funk but getting it done. Once home, into a hot shower, and now sitting here all cozy with a cup of tea, I’m feeling fulfilled, thinking, what a valuable and awesome run I got in. The moral of this? We run to experience the high highs and the low lows. At this difficult time, it’s as close as we get to feeling totally awake, alive, and living in full color.
I’m having an up day on the Covid rollercoaster. I usually don’t talk specifically about my running but I’m taking some personal satisfaction with my weekly trail half marathon streak during Covid. I’ve been enjoying the motivational monthly challenges from our incredibly creative RF Events Crew, and my weekly 13.1 miles fits nicely with the mileage goals. Yes, I tear up each weekend as another live event that would have happened pops up on my daily alerts. The Bonfyre trail run would have been Saturday, what a glorious day it would have been, I think the post race party would have gone on till sunset, dang. Until live racing is back, if you have not joined a challenge, consider joining me on the HolliYAY 50K in December, just after November’s Beaver Moon has set! Yep, the RF Events Crew is creative, to say the least.