Refrigerator is Running.

august 9th, 2015

i've been running again for the first time in a year. Remembering fitness levels of 2012 and 2009 when i would run 10, 12, 14 miles at dawn and then shower and go to work. Remembering that a fitness level can fall away soooo quickly. Remembering too that it can also be rebuilt quickly.

i've run two marathons fairly untrained. One in 2011, one in 2013. In my experience, if i can run three miles, i can push to six. If i can run six miles, i can push to eight. If i can run eight, i can push to ten. If i can run ten, i can push to twelve. If i can run twelve, i can push to fifteen. If i can run fifteen, i can run a marathon. That's how it works.

Right now i'm back to eight+. Next is ten. On track for marathon 2015.

Another of my running mantras: “always stop for pain; never stop for despair.” Part of the running is to practice disciplined mind. Part of it is straight chemical release. If i run 30 miles a week i maintain optimal sanity and emotional fitness. Not right now in this moment as i type, after nine miles this morning and then letting my blood sugar drop too low, and Vlad has left me with a pile of emergency snacks while we wait for these dried mangos to restore my adult coping mechanisms.

But generally, 30 miles. A high price to pay for happiness, but then, what price happiness?