HOW LOSING MY KEYS HELPED ME FIND MY MOJO

I know, it's a stretch.  What do keys have to do with mojo!  Hear me out.

It’s been an unbelievable month.  I lost 3 keys in 2 weeks and lost my running mojo too.

Image from www.Ilovesurf.com

I’ve never lost my keys before (pause) well, not that many in a short period of time.  I lost my padlock keys, post-office box keys, and office keys.  Incredibly, I found them all! 

It took me 3 steps to do it.

1) Think back

2) Retrace steps

3) Ask for help
...and a little bit of luck!

I had just returned from my vacation when I discovered I had lost my keys.   I traced my steps back to the location where I last remembered seeing my keys and asked around if anyone had turned them in.   Two weeks had past so my hopes weren't high.  To my surprise, my keys- all 3 of them, were waiting for me in a lost and found box at each site.

Unbelievable!  I know.   If I could find all 3 keys, I should be able to find my running mojo too.  It was worth a try.

I followed the same steps.

1) I thought back to when running was enjoyable for me.  It was a time when I was training for my first marathon.  It was exciting and fun.   And since it was my first, I had no pacing expectations.  

2) Next, I had to revisit it.   So, I signed up for another marathon and made a training schedule.  There was no backing out now.  I have a goal to work towards and a plan to stick to.   I did not set any pacing goal for myself.  I just ran.

3) I wouldn’t have been able to get my keys if it weren’t for the good people who were kind enough to turn in my keys.  Likewise, I needed to find a running group who I can count on for encouragement and support, and to whom I can be accountable to. 

Now I look forward to my runs.  Going back to where it all started  helped me find my mojo…thanks to my lost keys.

Have you lost and found your mojo?  I’d love to hear about it.

PERSPECTIVE

Photo courtesy of: http://tenlap.com/show-the-way/

A friend of mine invited me to stay overnight at her house on a recent trip to Seattle.  The next morning, we decided to go for a run.  She opened her window curtain to greet the morning.  

“Gorgeous day!” she said, bright-eyed and cheery.  

As I sipped my hot tea, I visualized a tantalizing run through the quaint neighborhood of Queen Anne, known for its stunning architectural homes, sweeping views, and charming shops.

After finishing my warm cup of Chai tea latte that warmed my soul, I stepped outside to get a whiff of the fresh scent of evergreen.  Instead, cold musty air dampened my spirits.  “It’s cloudy and drizzling!” 

If it’s one thing I learned in Seattle, it’s to embrace what you have and appreciate the beauty in the little things.  In Seattle, it often rains so any break in the weather pattern is always a welcomed delight, even if it is cloudy and drizzling. 

Here in Pacifica where I live, I used fog as an excuse not to run.  I’ll look out my window and if I see is a grey mist, I’d crawl back into bed.  “It’s too cold and windy.  I’ll get sick,” I’d complain.  If I use that excuse all the time, I’ll never get to run for a good part of the year. 

Now when I look out my window, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and say to myself with a smile, “It’s a gorgeous day!”  Then I lace my shoes and go out for a run.  There is nothing like the feeling of joy and accomplishment after a nice long run…no matter what the weather is.

Happy Running!

I interrupt this blog for an important message...

Hello everyone,
As you know, I love to run.  But what you may not know is that I like to write...not just blogs, but children's stories.  A lot of my stories and ideas transpires on my run.  The longer the run, the better the flow of my creative juices.

Anyway, I am writing to ask for your support.  My story, Funny Face, qualified for the MeeGenius author challenge.    The winning author gets a publishing contract, $1500 cash, and a MeeGenius library donated to the school of my choice.  Please visit MeeGenius, read my story, and "like" it.  But you have to hurry.  Voting ends December 18.  Please feel free to share with your friends!

Thank you so much for your support!
~Happy running...and reading!

Mentoring

It’s not uncommon for runners to lose the enthusiasm that once engulfed them when they first started running.  I've been there.  You can read about my dilemma in previous posts:  The Running Blahs, Confessions of a Runner, The Running Routine

So how do we make it exciting again?  You can play running games...with yourself; or you can mentor a new runner.  Here's how:

Go find someone to mentor.  You’ve heard it from family members, co-workers, and friends,

“I wish I could run.”

Take that as an invitation to lend your running experience. Encourage him or her to run and be the mentor you wished you had when you first started.  As a mentor you are there to motivate, inspire, and encourage.  

Discuss goals.  It can be as simple as running a mile without stopping to running their first marathon.  Set up a schedule to run together regularly.  You'll find that the accountability to each other will motivate you to get out and run even when you don't feel like it.  Your role as mentor will give you a new sense of being and give new life to your running.  Try it! 

Take the challenge and I promise you you’ll find your enthusiasm again.

The Running Blahs

Lately, I’ve been experiencing "running blahs."  Running blah is a state of mind.  It’s a loss of enthusiasm, motivation, and desire for running.  Here are some of the causes:

§  Routine- running the same route, mileage, or speed can cause boredom

§  Overtraining- causing tiredness or robbing you of the fun of running

§  Being off schedule- getting off schedule due to various reasons make it difficult to get back on track

The holidays and winter months got me to this state of mind.  But alas, it is spring and spring brings fresh new blooms, mild weather, and fresh starts.  So, now is time for me to get out of the running blahs and find my “mojo” again.

Here are some solutions I prescribed for myself.  If you are suffering from the running blahs, try it.  It may work for you too.

 

Prescriptions for boredom:

1.       Mix up your training- Work in speed training on a track or fartleks on a trail.  Squeeze in a cardio workout (anything other than running like aerobics or swimming) mid-week to break up your running routine.  You can even change your runs between tempo runs and long, slow distance runs.  The key is to change it up each day to avoid boredom.

2.       Run with a friend- Make your runs a social event.  Joining a run club is always fun.  Running with like-minded people often bring about a camaraderie that always ignites interesting conversations.

3.      Change your scenery- find new places to run.  MapMyRun offers plenty of suggestions for new running routes.  You can even mix up the terrain between track, road, and trail.

Prescription for overtraining:

1.       Play games- You can play games while you run.  See my post on “Running Games” for ideas.  It’ll make the time go by quickly.

2.       Slow down- For once, try a slow, long distant run.  Leave your Garmin at home and just take it easy and run for the fun of it.  While you run, take the time to say “hello” to a fellow runner.  Take the time to enjoy the sites around you.

 

Prescription for being off schedule:

1.       Set a goal for yourself- Sign up for an event or race.  By doing so, you have something to strive for.  You’ll be running with a purpose.  Sign up for a race once a month.  This will give you plenty to work for. 

2.       Buy a new gadget- To help you get back into the swing of things; buy yourself a new watch, running outfit, or running shoes.  This way, you’ll be excited about trying your new item out on a run, motivating you to run again. 

3.       Run at a popular running spot-  Seeing others run is always motivating.  Need I say more?

I hope my prescriptions for the running blahs help you find your mojo!

-Happy running!