Hitting Zen

One of the best parts about running longer distances is that point where your brain and body sort of disconnect and your thoughts set you on autopilot. Even in my best of shape, this never really happened until 5 or 6 miles in, though. Generally this is where my body is warmed up, the initial exhilaration of being outside wears off and it sinks in that it’s not going to be a short (relatively speaking) maintenance run. 10 miles in and 15 miles in are where I’ve enjoyed things most in the past. My fitness level to-date has never really let me thrive in the 20+ range, but I’m hoping to get there someday.

Recovering from an injury robs you of those Zen moments. A mile and a half here, three or four miles there. It’s discouraging when all you want to do is head out and stay out.

That said, they’re runs, which I haven’t had regularly since October. I’m happy just to get outside and to not have the immense repercussions I was suffering a few months back. In running, and life in general, the long view is important. That’s something we’ve all learned and something we all know, but it’s still something I have to constantly remind myself of.