Free Association Run

Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 11
Planned Run: 6 miles
6.05 miles 1 hours 7 minutes 11:09 pace
11:00 am 51 degrees.  Still raining.




Follow along if you want.

I remember a yoga instructor who had us sit for half an hour once.  It was maddening and, in hind-sight, enlightening.  She told us to acknowledge any thoughts that arose and then use our mind's eye like the back of our hand to gently guide them away from us.  "Just a push.  A little nudge."

There weren't a lot of runners out today.  Wait.  I didn't see a single runner today.  Only me.  I mean, I saw my shoes.  Where was everyone?  The gym?

Were the gyms open today?  Are they called gyms anymore?  The one at work is called the "Fitness Center".  I could go there tomorrow if it's too cold to be outside.  I'm supposed to run 3 miles tomorrow.  I don't really like to workout at work.  I like to be away from work.

Nudge.

Pfffttt!!!  3 miles is nothing now.  I can get up and do that before work.  If it's cold, even better.  Cold running improves my metabolism and mine could use some improving.

Gentle now.  Back of hand.

I'd like to take up something that works my upper body.  I'd love to have a  heavy bag to hit here at home but I think it might somehow make a noise that would bother my neighbors below me.  The ones I've had noise issues with.

Kindness. 

I was up so late last night.  My friend, Pam, and I called it a night at 12:30 but the party outside went on until about 4am.  I need to move.  This place isn't conducive to good sleep.  My lease is up in July.  It's close to work.  Is this the life work I want for myself?

Gentle.  Push. 

Great.  Another big dog.  He's loose, with no owner is sight.  He might be a friendly fellow or he might land me in hospital.  I love dogs and since I started running I'm beginning to fear and curse them.  This pisses me off. Turn around.  Change route.  Stop cursing the dog.  He's behind me and he's just being a dog who happens to be owned by someone who doesn't know or care about my fear.    

Maybe if I physically move my hand in front of my eyes and push these less-than-positive thoughts from my mind?

There's a guy in a car who sees me do this and he thinks I'm waving at him.  He waves at me.  That's funny.

Later on, another guy thinks it's funny to splash me by veering close and running through puddles. 

Gentle now.  Push.  Back of hand.

I honestly hope both those guys have a safe drive today.  I feel kinder and more loving to the one who waved at me than the one who soaked me with muddy water.

Maybe I'll sit for half an hour or so this afternoon.  Couldn't hurt. 

©Michelle Scofield, January 1, 2013 All Rights Reserved