Friday, October 23, 2009

Rain, rain. It really isn't so bad...

I was all set to wimp out of today's run. It's easy to wimp out on a cold, dreary day when I'm not training for anything. But I got my stuff together, drove off to the trail, and got in one of the most enjoyable runs of the season.

Part of it is because I'd never explored these trails before, and even though I didn't get lost, it was a near thing from time to time.

Part of it is the added element of danger. Freshly fallen, wet leaves make a great cover for rocks an roots. It keeps things interesting, slippery, and slow.

When I have to go slow, I can usually take things in a little better, and think a little more. I occasionally run to escape my thoughts, but sometimes (like today) free association is a good thing.

And of course, I get to feel all hard core and brag about it on my blog. So ya'know... miserable days are made to run!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Running as work...

I realized, earlier this week, why I think my running has been so lackluster of late.

Part of it might be because of a lack of focus. I don't have a goal race this season, and it's definitely effected my training.

Part of it might be because I've hit my first real set back in running- where I achieved only one of three goals for Bayshore. So I'm displaying a singular lack of character.

But I think the big thing that's keeping me from logging miles is how I'm now finding running to be fairly tedious and unenjoyable work.

And the fact that it is work, and that I occasionally through the week I do get paid fairly well to run a few slow miles isn't a bad thing. But it can be a hard thing to put aside when I want to run for myself.

I do hope I get back on the wagon soon...