When I've been out for a while, I somehow reach a state of mind where I realise all the things I have learned from running that have had useful applications in the rest of my life. This could be a growing collection.
Here's a couple:
1) Whenever there's an up, there's a corresponding down.
This has a few resonances. I have suffered from depression, at varying intensities, on and off for the last 13 years, and running has become my tool of choice for managing the condition - it's cheaper and the side effects are better than medication.
I've learned that life is usually pretty balanced, overall. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make," which has to be the best last line to leave fans with by any band, ever. For every moment of utterly terrifying, isolated, unspeakable sadness I've suffered, I've had another of amazing pride, delight and love. For every great boozy night out, there's the hangover. For every penny I've found, one's slipped out of my grasp. No big deal, that's the way it should be.
And so it is with hills. They're horrible. I don't like any of them. I toil up them, hating them steadily. But when I get to the top, whether it's a flat plateau for a while or a peak with a direct descent, I know I'll get a chance to get my breath back while I'm still running, and then there's the reward of the run back down. It's an instant reward - my body reacts immediately, gravity welcomes back my co-operation and thanks me by pulling me back down again. I can run faster, longer strides and my breathing's easier on the downhill.
No matter how hard it is, it will get easier. I will survive, and I will get better. I've learned to be nice to myself. If no-one else does, you should recognise your hard work and congratulate yourself for it.
2) "Hoo" breathing is better than "Aah" breathing.
I usually let my breathing do what it wants to as long as I'm keeping my strides regular and my speed at a recognisable running pace (not looking like fast walking or speeded up lurching). But when I hear myself making "aah - hiss...., aah - hiss.... aah - hiss" noises (exhale-inhale), I know I'm getting tired and not giving my body what it needs. It's asking for more oxygen. I try to get a grip and get back to controlled hard breaths out - "hoo... hoo...hoo..." and better breaths in.
Again... this has something to do with not letting events take over and overwhelm me. Learning to relax, step back and take a better control of my part in the situation.
I tend to remember these when I'm out, and forget them in the shower. If I remember any more, I'll blog them.
Oh, and one more thing - today I'm very pleased - I did my 5k route in 35.55 - my best time yet. I then got on the scales and discovered that for the first time in 2 and a half years, I'm under 13stone. This has put me in a great mood.
And Dr Who is back tonight. Awesome! Excellent day!
