I have little time to write but wanted to share this poem written by child psychologist David Weatherford as it pertains to zen running.
Why?
I am no different than any other runner. I want to do well, to be fit and have goals but have failed too. I've also caught too caught up with results, times and placings.
What Happened?
I mentioned in previous posts how 2010 was my learning year. I was fitter than I had ever been in my life and didn't come close to what my workouts were showing.
Too much emphasis on standards and too less emphasis on enjoying the preparation and letting go of expectations. I had nothing to lose when I broke 2.20 and was working full-time when I did it.
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In comparison, when I had the opportunity to train full-time with all the luxuries that came with it I didn't perform as well.
I don't know how you all feel but based on my own experiences adding in balance and letting go of pressure is going to produce results.
You are going to enjoy what you do more, perform better and be happier in your training.
I hope you can take away something from this.
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask: How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done,
do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance too fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a goods friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say, “Hi”?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day.
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
Stay focused in failure
Don't get bent out of a shape over a bad race.
I can tell you it is not worth your energy, time and you need that mental strength to carry you through to future successes on the roads.
In addition, enjoy the good races you get. It may not be a PR but take something away from it that is going to help you. If you PR by a second, it is still a PR.
Value it and don't let the stress of wanting a 5-minute improvement overpower your mentality.
You are in control.
Focus on the process
Remember, when you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of getting there. I was fortunate in that I didn't let the 2.40 and 2.51 prior to my 2.19 get the best of me and I urge you to do the same.
You never know what is ahead. If you are running 4 hours for the marathon today, 6 months down the road with the right attitude and frame of mind, you could very well be a 3 hour marathoner.
Enjoy the process
Things happen that quick but you have to be relaxed and enjoying what your doing. The opposite will not get you to you your goal any quicker.
Keep your focus and don't miss the fun in the ups and downs. They are stepping stones in getting you to your goal if you are brave enough to handle the challenges along the way.
Make sure to subscribe to the RunDreamAchieve YouTube channel. I create new videos each week to help runners such as yourself get to the next level. There are also running courses and monthly, online coaching available here at rundreamachieve. You can view these options by looking at the navigation menu at the top of this website. I hope this post on zen running has been helpful to you.
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