Running Races Again? I Think So!

I have not run an official race since last February. I had to think hard about that one to make sure I got the date correct. I ran the Alumni Mile on a Saturday in early February (5:13) and a 5k (around 18:40) the next morning. I was in solid shape and looking forward to some Spring and Summer races.

But then COVID hit and everything started to get cancelled or moved to the Fall. Many of the rescheduled races ended up going virtual.

While that all stinks, I am not complaining. People are going through incredibly difficult times and not getting to race is such a small inconvenience. Actually, this time period reinforced for me that running is worth so much more than some times on a watch and helped me maintain structure.

However, I am very excited to have some races on the schedule over the next 6 weeks. I ran most of the summer and did a couple “time trials” on a dirt path by myself that just did not feel like racing and the times reflected that. I’ve been running between 25-35 miles most weeks and started doing more workouts. I am not in phenomonal shape by any means but… it’s time to race!

So what’s on the docket?

October 4th- Chester County XC Series 5k

October 18th- Chester County XC Series 5k

October 24th- Wedding Day DMR (probably 1200m)

November 7th- Bucks County Half Marathon on the Delaware Canal

I have not run an XC race in four years, but those were some of the only options that I found to be in-person. I had no intention of signing up for a virtual race. There are heats of a small amount of people to try to minimize contact that go off in waves. I know a cross country race will be tough, but I’m looking forward to going hard and seeing what happens.

On my wedding day, who knows how I will feel that morning trying to get my legs kicking for three hard laps around the track. But again, I’m pumped to go hard and feel the adrenaline for the wonderful day ahead will help.

And finally, I have only run one half marathon, which was a couple years ago in Philadelphia. This will be on a dirt path rather than the roads. I think this will be a great chance to see where we are aerobically.

Having races on the schedule definitely adds some motivation to workout days and even for easy runs to focus on recovery. Races offer a wonderful opportunity to really push yourself against others. Ready to give these a good go!

The Balance of Being Present and Having Long-Term Goals

Sometimes on a run I feel horrible and the thought of finishing and ultimately improving keeps me going. I may not feel great, but I know I can get to the end and will be happy I did. Other times I feel totally absorbed and pleasent while running; I am in the moment.

The former offers an example of how long-term goals keep us going, even when the present feels unpleasant. The latter shows the power of presence.

The two kind of go hand-in-hand most of the time. When we think about it, we are often thinking of what comes next. Our futuristic outlook certainly helps in many situations, such as offering hope, but can also hold us back in various ways, such as creating anxiety or other unhelpful mind states.

I continue to try to meditate and further my mindfulness practice. The busyness of life (my typical excuse) keeps me from truly engaging in the practice as much as I would like.

I think our current society functions most of the time in ways that keep us out of the present and longing for more. We often want more of something pleasant or less of something unpleasent. The Buddha would say this constant craving is the root of our suffering.

I really like this short video of Sam Harris talking about the power of being truly present.

To not think of the future would be foolish. However, the present moment is all we really have. Harris’s point about waiting for something life-changing before shifting our perspective is astute. The classis example is imagining that you get a terminal cancer diagnosis tomorrow and considering how this would change your approach to life. Obviously, most people would try to make the most of their remaining time.

There are no easy answers here because we can’t live as though we do not have responsibilities, but I think this supports the point that we need to find things that we love to do and fully pursue them.

When doing something I love, I am much more likely to be present. But ultimately, I would love to reach a point where I am more present and not distracted by thoughts even when I am doing things that are unpleasant or uncomfortable.

I ultimately want to get better and better at being present and realizing inner peace and interconnectedness. I want to become a competent counselor and coach. I want strong relationships with family and friends. The work and journey continues.

Control What You Can Control

One of the oldest lessons in the books: control what you can control.

Even kids are taught this lesson in various ways. Kids may learn this the hard way, but they come to understand that things do not always go their way, but that is okay.

Epictetus was a Greek, Stoic philosoper, who gave lectures related to focusing on what is in our control.

The Stoics are full of knowledge and I would highly recommend checking them out. Author Ryan Holiday has a great YouTube channel and a podcast as well if you want to learn more.

The main lesson I take from the Stoics is we are all capable of handling life with our head held high, despite the inevitable suffering. The four virtues of stoicism are wisdom, courage, justice, and moderation. From this approach, we can act ethically and find a greater peace and contentment.

When life feels challenging, we have the option to think about what we can control regarding the situation. We can’t control others opinions or most external circumstances, but we have a large say in our attitude, perspective, and more.

Resilience is a hot topic among educators because kids and adolescents need this skill amongst all the uncertainty in life, especially with the pandemic. Look no further than the alarming mental health statistics, most notably with adolescents and young adults, to know that many are vulnerable and struggle to deal with stress in healthy ways.

Social media likely harms many kids and adolescents’ sense of self, even if the effects are subtle. Viewing others through a filtered lens probaby leads to constant comparison and jealousy, or a false sense that others have a perfect life where they are always happy and top of things.

Besides pointing out facades, we can point out that we don’t really know how others feel or think, but we can control our response. I have found reflecting on this approach helpful and hope to do more in the near future.