Running Alone

I am going to paint two different pictures, but they are both the same. This morning as I walked the dog, I saw a runner in the darkness, reflectors showing that it was indeed a runner. He was on his very early morning run. This is how I view running. You and the road/trail, alone with your thoughts.

Today is the Chicago Marathon. 45,000 runners are entered to go in a few hours. Even in a mass group like that, you are still a runner alone. It is you, it is the road, and it is your thoughts. Running is not a team sport. You have to face the elements and the road on your own.

You also have to deal with whatever is in your head. I have dealt with meditation, thinking about joys, thinking about sorrows. I have run an entire marathon with my head wrecked, because someone dumped a lot of anger and hurt on my the day before. That run is your time to deal with whatever is going on - for better or for worse.

Being mentally tough, especially during a marathon is so important. If I hadn't been stronger than I thought I was, I might not have finished that marathon I mentioned.

I would go crazy if I couldn't have those runs. I need to think things through. Sometimes I just need things out of my head, and running helps me get them out.

Best of luck to the marathoners today. May your thoughts be about finishing, and being strong.

Charlie