When you're hot and heavy in the middle of marathon training, you have TONS of time during your runs. Think about it. Let's say you are averaging about 10 minutes per mile. You're going to be on your feet for 120 minutes for a 12 mile run. 20 miles? 3 hours 20 minutes. 26.1 miles? You do the math. You have a long time pounding the pavement to clear your head. When I'm running with someone, it's super easy to strike up a conversation and watch the time fly by. Before you know it, you've solved all of the world's problems and are up to date on just about every headline you can think of. If you're by yourself, it's a different story. How are you going to occupy your mind for 3+ hours?
Finishing up 12 miles this week, I give you 12 of my random thoughts for a long run -- a small glimpse into what crosses my mind on those long runs. A little on the lighthearted side, I found myself laughing at the areas my brain visited as I enjoyed a long run on the bike trail through my hometown. I'd encourage you to pay attention to the areas your mind lands upon as you move throughout your training. As I discovered, some of these thoughts may be worth re-visiting!
THE COUNTDOWN:
Marathon training is not for the faint of heart. But for those of us who are working on the character trait of perseverance, training for a marathon is a great test of endurance. I began my running journey over a decade ago and aim to run at least one full marathon and one half marathon a year. I'm a huge fan of running marathons and love the physical and mental challenge. Join me in my countdown to 26 miles!
Marathon training is in full swing!
HERE YOU HAVE IT: 12 RANDOM THOUGHTS FOR A LONG RUN 1. I seriously cannot wait to eat. Here we are back at my favorite go-to topic. Every conversation seems to always rotate back to food. Who doesn't love to eat? My mind is once again fantasizing about what indulgences I will have after burning 1000+ calories. Bring on that juicy hamburger and ranch dressing for those french fries... because what Midwesterner doesn't put ranch on everything?! Count me in.
2. I am thankful for some good tunes! What did I do before the days of Pandora and Spotify? It's one of those runs that every song that comes on has a beat I want to dance to. There were some definite dance moves in between those long strides! Shout out to my little bro for upgrading the Spotify account for the family. What a great Christmas gift! We've come a long way since my childhood of cassette tapes and New Kids on the Block -- majorly thankful for digital technology.
<<Me and the little bro in California checking out the Redwoods! Swell guy.>>
3. I should definitely get a dog. Every dog I pass is adorable, including the golden doodle dressed in a heart sweater. I'm pretty sure he'd make a sweet sidekick. Not to mention, who doesn't love puppy kisses? I'm pretty sure most days I run just so I can say hi to all the dogs on the bike trail.
4. Is someone grilling?! Why does it smell so delicious?! I. CANNOT. WAIT. TO. EAT. Like I said, all conversations come back to food.
5. I wonder how long I could out run a t-Rex chasing me?? What about a bear? Do we have bear in Ohio? Hmmm, one time that bear from the circus got loose down the street. I wonder if I could out run him. <several glances into the woods around me>...Wait, what was that? What would I do if I saw a bear? What's that saying: if it's brown, lay down; if it's black, fight back. Gee, I am running faster! My imagination is obvious pretty great. Sometimes this teacher teds to play worse-case scenario. I haven't figured out if that is a good thing or not!
TRUTH: One of my favorite sceneries for a past run: Isla Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico. It wasn't safe to run on the beach outside of the hotel limits, so I was stuck on a treadmill indoors. The only good thing was that this was my view. Truth be told, I found myself imagining being chased by dinosaurs in the Caribbean. Probably should have laid off of the Jurassic Park re-runs. I definitely ran faster! It's so funny how these random thoughts still haunt my long runs!
6. What am I obsessed with? My home base church is doing a series called Obsessed. I let my mind wander about present obsessions to separate the good from the bad. What am I obsessed with? My pastor mentioned it's often what you spend your money on or how you spend your time. Any guesses? Food. Fitness. Travel: all good things. I just need to remember to keep that in balance.
7. I love listening to the birds chirp! Those birds are so pretty. It's amazing that God created each bird so unique and clothed them with beautiful feathers. To think He cares for them --and even cares for me more blows my mind. I love that passage in the Bible where God reminds His children not to worry or be anxious. Often on these long runs, I'm reminded of how many things I do not need to worry about. Quiet time outdoors puts life into perspective for me -- and if it takes marathon training to get my mind refreshed, re-charged and onto heavenly things - it will always be at the top of my list. Check out this reminder about not worry about anything. I need to think on this hourly.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" -Matthew 6:25-26
8. I love saying hi to people. Yes - I am one of those cheerful runners who say hello to each person they pass! Again, midwesterner. It's what we do. Not to mention, when you live in a small town, you get to know the people you meet on the trail. I can't tell you how many times I've set foot on this trail only to be blessed with running into people at the exact time I needed it.
9. What a beautiful almost spring day! I think blue bird sightings mean it's almost spring. I am definitely ready for spring. Hooray for making it through the bulk of winter, self. January and February are great metaphors for perseverance. Sometimes those short winter days can be tough! I see spring ahead. I am keeping my eyes forward.
10. How am I looking for God on this run? I got an email earlier in the week from a running leader who asked us to be purposefully looking for ways to see God while we're out and about. This nudge caused me to began to look around. It was easy to see Him in the birds chasing each other through the trees, the dead leaves hiding new growth anxious for spring. The family of deer that watched me as I ran by reminded that my Creator has it all together. How could I not look around and not have my eyes glance up? Thanks for that reminder, Jesus.
11. I wonder how many people I cross paths with on this bike trail? I should start counting. I wonder what their motivation is to get outside and get fresh air? What are they thinking? What big life situations are they going through? Is there any one else out there that uses this path to sort out their life decisions? Maybe I should start praying for each person I meet. Maybe someone has even prayed for me. I felt this tugging on my heart strings: Cindy -- this is kingdom vision.
12. The right running gear makes all the difference. I love running in gear that stays in place and keeps me warm. Also, I've learned after a decade of running, the right shoes make all the difference. I never thought I'd be that person who would spend over $100 on running shoes -- but once I upgraded, I won't be going back. Believe me, it's worth the extra money if you are going to be pounding the pavement for an extended amount of time.
FUN AND GAMES ASIDE :
Running can be a great way to get your brain engaged and off yourself. If you're like me, you want to focus on what is important and seek to have vision that is aligned with your core values. Everyone has a hobby that centers them - allows them to re-evaulate their priorities and choices. For me, it's breathing fresh air and becoming aware of my surroundings. On your long run, how can you realign your vision?
ENCOURAGEMENT This week, I encourage you to switch up your strides. If you normally listen to music, try running for a bit without jamming to tunes. If you're one to be in the zone and not say hello to the people you meet, try imitating a conversation -- or even a fast hello -- as you run by. Look for people who have been brought onto your running path for a reason. Give them a compliment. Cheer them on. Encourage that next step. Having been a recipient on the other side of those blessings, I can tell you it changes you. Be the reason someone smiles today!
Keep moving -- one foot in front of the other !
