Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

indefatigable

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On Friday, I was told that I was indefatigable. I had to look it up to determine if it was a good thing or a bad thing. I suppose, like almost anything, it can be taken either way depending on the context.

in·de·fat·i·ga·ble
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin indefatigabilis, from in- + defatigare to fatigue, from de- + fatigare to fatigue
Meaning: incapable of being fatigued : untiring, an indefatigable worker

During Saturday’s long run, I tried to access any indefatigable tendencies. If you’ve got it, then use it. Right? If only it was as easy as deciding that.

The trails were tough. I haven’t been able to enjoy them enough these days. Venturing out for a 20 mile trail run, however, proved both exhilarating and exhausting.

Truth be told, fatigue was setting in. However, the solitude and sounds of nature were just what I needed. Running one of the less popular trails, a brief chat with a backpacker loaded up with weight for the sake of training for Mount Whitney (he’s entered into the lottery) after 10 miles of climbing provided just enough human contact to not feel isolated. Of course the decent was nothing more than exhillarating.

Better together

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I’m stealing Donald’s blog title from his Better Together post.

Although I do find times where running solo is exactly what I need, I am finding that I am preferring to pair up with a good friend to share a run, a meal, a movie, or just a good laugh.

With 18 miles scheduled, I was more than happy to accommodate Cindy’s request to join me for her 6 mile run. Her only caveat was that I was sufficiently tired by the time we hooked up. This was easily accomplished by me running 12 miles ahead of time.

Our time together passed quickly. We took turns catching up on the other’s life events.

Talk, talk, talk — run, run, run. Soon, we were done, done, done.

switch back

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It’s been a while since I’ve run at my favorite open space.  Although I’ve found new ground, I always welcome a trip back to trials from my running past.

As with many things, time away can change your perspective.  You may experience the same-old-same-old in a whole new light, which may be good or bad.

This was how today’s run was for me.  So much was the same, yet so much was new.  There were new fences, lots of new growth, and even the birth of new animals at the farm.  But there were still eight switch backs on one of my two favorites trails.

The familiar twinge in my knee reminded me to be cautious.  I obeyed.  Meanwhile, my heart joyfully said “go for it.”

Following the switch backs, I ran back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.  After a short while, my breathing eased and the run became more like a meditation.  I exited the last switch back completely filled up and renewed with energy.

I sure do love trail running.  Don’t  you?

On and on

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I was thrilled to be invited to join Lil Sis and her running friends on Saturday morning for their 10 mile long run. Not only did I get to enjoy great company but I got to see a side of her town that I’d never seen before. I began to feel the effects of the 6 miles I’d run prior to meeting up with them and a lack of Perpetuem. This was all compounded by too much vino the night before. Lil Sis came to my rescue with a few capsules of some unknown substance and stayed back with me. By the time we all finished, I was feeling great.

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Collapsible Plans

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“I could be gone in a second without even a trace” – Tom Freud, Collapsible Plans

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There is a balance between fear-controlled caution and a complete throwing of caution-to-the-wind. After 12 years working in the ICU and seeing the worse possible outcomes (often despite the best intentions), I’ve had a tendency toward leaning in the direction of fear-controlled side of the scale. I’ve come a long way in learning to let go a little.

Where running is involved, some might accuse me of being too relaxed. I disagree MOST of the time.

I follow some general rules:

  • I always run with my phone
  • Tell people when I am running
  • Take my Epi-pen during bee season
  • Wear reflective wear when lighting is marginal
  • Keep aware of my surroundings
  • Pull my headphones off when listening to traffic is essential

But there are things that I could do better. Take today for example…
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