I read a lot of books at the same time. I pick them up and put them down based on what I’m in the mood for. One of the books that is sitting dog-eared on the old CPU that serves as my temporary nightstand* is Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running by Jennifer Lin and Susan Warner.
I like it overall, but I’ve noticed something. In some of the profiles, there’s an intense focus on how fast the women are. Some were so speedy and talented that they made a living from the sport.
For this reason, I’m finding it hard to relate to the some of the women in Sole Sisters. Yes, some of the women in the book are mothers, but I just can’t relate to running a sub-7-minute mile or having sponsors.
On second thought, maybe it’s not about relating at all. Maybe it’s more about goals. For me, running is about the journey. It’s not all about the race, although those are a nice reward.
But, it’s about having a new adventure every day. It’s about getting to the race. That’s how I think of it, anyway. How will I get my run in today? How far will I run? What will happen while I’m out there? What will I see? Is it going to rain? Will I be fast or slow?
Okay, so I think about time, too. It’s hard not to get swept up in it; especially if you wear a Garmin. It’s good to know your time, to know if you are improving. But I’m not going to be in the Olympics or win the Boston Marathon, or any marathon for that matter.
The thought of having a mini-adventure every day is a big part of what keeps me going. For example, when I set out on November 1, 2009, for six miles, I didn’t think I was going to come face-to-face with a buck! Okay, not quite face-to-face.
And, I’ve explored all kinds of places I never even knew existed, like this part of the Cedar River Trail.
And, the crooked plank bridge near work that me and Mel (Tall Mom on the Run) discovered.
And, coyote country by my mom’s farm in California.
So let’s all get out there today and see what we will see, and experience what we will experience. Running makes me feel like I’m LIVING!
What adventure will you go on today?
*This is what happens when you are sick and don’t have a nightstand. Your computer geek husband pulls an old CPU out of the back of the closet so you can have somewhere to put your Saltines and your 7-UP, and there the old gray box sits…forever.
13 comments
This is a fantastic post. I agree that running is about the journey. Though an age-group win here or there wouldn't suck either! Great pictures! Your pictures have made me take more time on my runs to take in what is around me (And to carry a camera so I can snap a few).
I could not relate to that book either. I started taking more pictures on my runs also. I tend to focus on my runs too much and not notice the beauty around me so I told myself that I have to take pictures on every run. It is fun and keeps me looking around instead of staring at my feet and counting my steps.Your pics are beautiful.
I agree about the ladies in the book being a bit more elite than what I would like, but as you had said it more about the journey. I just like reading anything about running. :0)As for my journey today I am going to run the trails in my mind. :0)
I agree about the ladies in the book being a bit more elite than what I would like, but as you had said it more about the journey. I just like reading anything about running. :0)As for my journey today I am going to run the trails in my mind. :0)
Great post, I totally agree it's about the journey to the race & not the actual race day. The race day itself is more like a reward for getting all the hard work done.
You're so right. It's easy to get caught up in the final goal/destination, forgetting to enjoy the journey along the way. I try to make time to stop and smell the roses (even in winter, hehehe).
it has been a great journey and it continues to be. i think i will start to take pictures when i go on the trail today. i love to read…so, i will have to look into books about running. thanks!
I'm not fast but I'm fast enough for me. I'm just proud of myself for being a runner even if I'm a slow one. When you think about it, the race is such a small part of running. 95% of your time is spent on the treadmill, on the streets, on the track, the race is really a tiny part.
Great POST! I totally relate. I am not a fast runner and have settled into that and feel good that I can RUN and it's all about the journey. I have heard a few people say they are running this half marathon or that one but they weren't going to train and I thought that it sounded so stupid…it's ALL about the journey, the training and what you learn in the midst of runs. I love everything I get out of training for a race…it's life changing.Do you carry a camera or a camera phone? Great pictures. I need a fun place to run. Thanks again for that post…Fun to read!
There was one race at the end of last year that I got to run in an area I had only driven through. I kept thinking, this is so awesome that I'm running through here now, it felt so different. The world doesn't seem so shabby when your feet are on it 🙂
This was an excellent post! Thank you! I agree with you completely…about everything 🙂
Awesome post, thanks so much! What adventure did I do today? I was in bed all day, sick, and didn't run nor go to work. Now, that's really fun when I actually feel good and just play hooky but I was actually not even enjoying being awake. Oh well, tomorrow's a new adventure!!
I haven't read the book but I agree about the adventure. For me it's also about setting a goal for myself and having a positive goal to strive to achieve.