There are many reasons why runners do what they do. My favorite running book title - I Run, Therefore I Am Nuts - sums it all up for me. However, breaking each reason down for each person, is as subjective as as all that implies. Each person/runner is different. Each reason one does anything, let alone running, will be different according to the differences of each person.
Recently, two days ago, I got a Flu shot. First time in well - I can't remember when I got the last shot. It was a free offering through my wives Hospital group, so why not? Well, my reason for getting the shot was more thought than a simple why not though. The last few years I have gotten the Flu, which I usually get every year (this past flu season I got it twice, Dec. and April) it has hit a few days before Christmas Eve. That day, and especially night is my favorite 24 hours out of any year. Yet, even beyond wanting health for my Holiday Season. The last thing I want at this time is to run while sick, or try to deal with NOT running while sick. So, at this point in my life, I can honestly say running has thoroughly changed my life. Changed it to the point, that it is more of reason to get a Flu Shot then any other reason previous in my life.
Recently, two days ago, I got a Flu shot. First time in well - I can't remember when I got the last shot. It was a free offering through my wives Hospital group, so why not? Well, my reason for getting the shot was more thought than a simple why not though. The last few years I have gotten the Flu, which I usually get every year (this past flu season I got it twice, Dec. and April) it has hit a few days before Christmas Eve. That day, and especially night is my favorite 24 hours out of any year. Yet, even beyond wanting health for my Holiday Season. The last thing I want at this time is to run while sick, or try to deal with NOT running while sick. So, at this point in my life, I can honestly say running has thoroughly changed my life. Changed it to the point, that it is more of reason to get a Flu Shot then any other reason previous in my life.
It is not that I am afraid of shots, or ever have been. I just figured if I get the Flu, yeah! an excuse to actually stay on the couch (or, in bed) and get caught up on all the DVDs I have been wanting to see; or get all my yearly novel readings in, in 3-4 days. Realworld stuff will survive without my opinions and labor running it 3-4 days out of each year. Yes, a real vacation. Since most my vacations over the last 5-6 years seem more like work (organizing all things to keep my kids happy, entertained and safe) I have enjoyed the solitary time of having the Flu to myself. Yet, of course the side effects of this personal vacay is 102 temp, headache that could light up the Vegas Strip, all over body aches, hacking, wheezing, and the lovely looking stuff that comes out of ya in all it's many ways and forms. YUCK!
Anyway, running. Flu shot, hopefully, will keep me running a few weeks more in the upcoming months more than if I did not Flu Shot. I guess I really need the Therapy of running in my life. I don't run daily. In fact, I did feel some side effects of the Flu Shot and did not run yesterday. I run typically as little as 2-3 days a week if I am not training for anything. 4-5 days a week if I have a race/event goal in front of me. Not sure about weekly mileage totals. I have found monthly totals is more of an important figure for me overall. Yet, still no matter, there is a very REAL therapeutic thing in running I need. I need it equally physically and well everything else. It is the perfect medication, or cure all for anything that ails me.
For one, I have arthritis. It is in my neck on three vertebrae's just below the base of my skull. The results of an old wrestling injury and then aggravated further in an auto accident. The pain I will get just below the base of my skull can be harsh. However, I learned years ago consistent workouts and exercise is better than any pain medication. In fact, I have not taken meds for my neck in years. Occasional flare up gets me to pop an Aleve now and then. However, the pain is nowhere near what it was 4 years ago. Since I have been running regularly for almost a year now - great! Hardly ever do I feel anything back there.
So, there is that, and of course that meditation time on my feet. In all my runs, I seem to work out any and all issues. No matter how small or big after a good run, I seem to have figure out what needs to be done in life. Just a great way to feel even keel from day to day. Nothing seems to work me up or push my buttons anymore. Not that I had much pushing going on previous. Yet, I have noticed how things like waiting too long in lines at Costco, traffic, or any daily irritant - isn't anymore. My wife has noticed this as well. Nothing seems to irritate me at all anymore. Kinda nice. Quality of life is pretty good these days. Thanks running!
So, as I deal with whether I am up to running a Full Marathon or Half Marathon for the Vegas Rock and Roll - in the end it doesn't matter. I think in the future most events I run will be Half Marathon distances either on the road or trails. I just think this MY distance. It gives me a challenge. A nice one, without completely killing my body. The last thing I want is to compete against my own body while running. I want my body working with who I am. Harmony? I like this word. I guess if I some it all up - Harmony - is what running has brought to my life. I seem to be able to deal with all - day to day realworld stuff, and even loss of loved ones. I guess I have found my Chi, Serenity, Place to Be and Harmony to life. Thanks running you are allowing me to B Who U B, or I B.
Cheers!
Anyway, running. Flu shot, hopefully, will keep me running a few weeks more in the upcoming months more than if I did not Flu Shot. I guess I really need the Therapy of running in my life. I don't run daily. In fact, I did feel some side effects of the Flu Shot and did not run yesterday. I run typically as little as 2-3 days a week if I am not training for anything. 4-5 days a week if I have a race/event goal in front of me. Not sure about weekly mileage totals. I have found monthly totals is more of an important figure for me overall. Yet, still no matter, there is a very REAL therapeutic thing in running I need. I need it equally physically and well everything else. It is the perfect medication, or cure all for anything that ails me.
For one, I have arthritis. It is in my neck on three vertebrae's just below the base of my skull. The results of an old wrestling injury and then aggravated further in an auto accident. The pain I will get just below the base of my skull can be harsh. However, I learned years ago consistent workouts and exercise is better than any pain medication. In fact, I have not taken meds for my neck in years. Occasional flare up gets me to pop an Aleve now and then. However, the pain is nowhere near what it was 4 years ago. Since I have been running regularly for almost a year now - great! Hardly ever do I feel anything back there.
So, there is that, and of course that meditation time on my feet. In all my runs, I seem to work out any and all issues. No matter how small or big after a good run, I seem to have figure out what needs to be done in life. Just a great way to feel even keel from day to day. Nothing seems to work me up or push my buttons anymore. Not that I had much pushing going on previous. Yet, I have noticed how things like waiting too long in lines at Costco, traffic, or any daily irritant - isn't anymore. My wife has noticed this as well. Nothing seems to irritate me at all anymore. Kinda nice. Quality of life is pretty good these days. Thanks running!
So, as I deal with whether I am up to running a Full Marathon or Half Marathon for the Vegas Rock and Roll - in the end it doesn't matter. I think in the future most events I run will be Half Marathon distances either on the road or trails. I just think this MY distance. It gives me a challenge. A nice one, without completely killing my body. The last thing I want is to compete against my own body while running. I want my body working with who I am. Harmony? I like this word. I guess if I some it all up - Harmony - is what running has brought to my life. I seem to be able to deal with all - day to day realworld stuff, and even loss of loved ones. I guess I have found my Chi, Serenity, Place to Be and Harmony to life. Thanks running you are allowing me to B Who U B, or I B.
Cheers!
1 comment:
I personally like the half marathon distance. Not becuase it's hard or any noble reason like that - but because the training commitment is just so much less than for the full.
When I hit those 50 mile plus weeks, I have to ferret out nine plus hours. That dosen't leave a whole lot of time for anything else. Training for a half is just much saner....
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