Author's note: Holy crap! I knew I hadn't blogged in a while, but this is ridiculous. Sorry. Won't happen again. Well, maybe it will, but it's a nice thing to say...now, on with the post...
I downloaded some new songs to my iPod the other day. Just a couple of ditties from iTunes - a little Cake, some Prodigy, a dash of Radiohead. And about two weeks ago I received and wore the new Headsweats visor I ordered (thanks, Sean, for the recommendation). I got some new Livestrong running shorts, too.
Why do I mention these trinkets? Because they help. Well, they help me anyway. See, no matter how dedicated I am to running, getting out there on the road or treadmill day after day after day can get a little monotonous. The same songs, the same clothes, the same scenery - it can get redundant, and it can make even the most obsessive athlete think about taking a break.
But something about a new item can take a little of the edge off and can give me something new to keep me going. New songs, new shorts, a headband, all of it gives me a fresh perspective on the road.
New scenery, too. Last weekend I was in Portland, OR, for a journalism convention. I taught a class at 8 on Saturday morning and then, rather than sit in on a couple of additional sessions, I decided to hightail it back to my hotel, throw on my running gear, lace up my shoes and head out to the Riverwalk along the Willamette River. It was a beautiful little trail along the waterfront, taking me past the Saturday Farmer's Market underneath Burnside Avenue and a quaint little shopping plaza a little farther south. In the water were several rowing sculls filled with dozens of people learning the sport. The weather was beautiful - 60 degrees and partly sunny, just perfect for an extended run. I probably ran eight miles that morning, but it certainly didn't feel like it. I was too busy checking out the new sights to worry about how far I ran. If anything, I had some extra fuel in the tank. I was ready for more, and that motivation was enough to get me through the next several days once I returned home.
I'm not suggesting you go broke trying to find new stuff to keep you going. Just small stuff can be enough. A new set of music. A new snack. A new trail. That's about all I need.
Oh, and the new water bottle I've got my eye on...and that new running shirt...and those socks I've been thinking about...and...
Happy running!
You don't know Jack, but you should.
10 months ago