Yoga teachers always say to tune into your body at the beginning of class. It will let you where you are.
True. Sometimes I am strong, ready to try any arm balance, even if I smash my nose onto the floor and want to cry. Other days I am stiff, and can barely raise my body off the floor for a backbend. Sometimes I feel invincible. Grateful. Wow!
But this is even MORE true for running. My daily (or semi-daily) run is the ultimate check-in. If I drank the night before, My God that run is a slog. If I rested, I feel light and happy on my feet. If I feel blue, it will take two miles to get me out of my funk. If I didn't eat enough I will run out of gas part way through.
If I eat fruits and vegetables and greens and nuts, I really do feel better.
Running so much has also shown me that my blueness often starts with my body, not my head. Interesting...
Of course I know that food and sleep affect physical performance. But to tune in daily and see what that really means in an endeavor that I cannot coast through is astounding. It all matters. It all matters more than I want to believe. It matters sooooo much. If it matters that much I am a fool for not paying attention. Even when I am not running.
Don't you think?
I need to pay attention.
My body is trying so hard for this endeavor. I need to respect it and help it out. No more martinis the night before a long run.
December 10
8 years ago
1 comment:
I don't know about running, but I think your body's great at telling you, if you listen. In Africa I craved cereal (I was missing the calcium in milk), in Asia it was monthly red meat (iron) and when Ruth was little she'd drop most dairy products and start guzzling oranges if she was coming down with a cold - she couldn't talk, but her body knew. Maybe you have to have the martinis right after the run so your body has a longer time to recover before the next run!
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