Last week I wrote about the evolution of my running. I was thinking about it even more this week, especially in regards to the frequency of my runs and the high mileage. I no longer think of runs as "workouts." It is just something I do. There is not a lot of prep time, because I always seem to have running clothes on or at the ready. I don't have to think about what kind of run because I almost always run by feel. I rarely feel wiped out after I run, so I can do it over and over again. Run with the dog in the morning, then get a call from someone who wants to run again at 11:00? No problem. It's like walking to me now. I go on a long run and get lost, again no problem. What's a few miles? I never worry about pace any longer. I run with folks who run 10:30 pace and also at 7:30 pace. I will run at 9 minute miles at 5 am and run 10 minute miles at 9 pm or speedier runs in middle of the day. Sometimes all three in one day! It's all just running, it's not an event, it's not a workout, it just what I do. Dare I say I am closer to reaching a Zen state in regards to my running? Or, could I becoming an Ultra runner?
On the negative side, I do wonder how this new mindset and approach will effect my racing. I have skipped a few races and even missed a Grand Prix event, which is something I normally wouldn't do. I still want to race and do well, but the drive just isn't there like it was. Also, I think I can race just as well with this laid back running approach. At least that is what I keep telling myself.
Regardless, I will continue to enjoy the progression towards becoming a wise, peaceful and balanced runner. (Not so sure on the wise part!)
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