Running, Racing and Satisfaction

An open letter after a particular workout of the running club to which I belong. While you may not "get" some of the references, I hope you will recognize the feelings of satisfaction.

Jim:
Last night was a real classic, thanks.

I was thinking about what you were saying about people “burning” the last ¼ of the mile and reminiscing about past in-and-out-mile workouts.

Some thoughts:
It seems that the past “August versions” of this workout were held on evenings that were hellishly hot… no clouds, burning sun

There was always a “high anticipation level” by the group for this workout – we were serious and ready to run

While we were not supposed to, the workout became a “build”… everything just kept getting faster and faster from the 150s to the final 200. And the mile… went from F+ to G to G to G+, maybe even H. And I think you were always on the verge of hoarseness from shouting splits and encouragement while running back and forth across the field.

There were never instructions for moderation or slowing down

No matter how hot or what the times were, when it was done everyone had little grins on there faces!

I don’t think any of us were ever disappointed with our performances… there was an overall feeling of satisfaction. At the end of the workout, everyone felt FAST! Everyone believed and felt like they had run at Joe Jenkins’ pace!

This workout was the culmination of our Winter, Spring and Summer training… now we really knew we were ready to go!

We were ready to race.

And race we did. And in all the third miles of those 5Ks we could and would be lifted by this workout… because we (individually) had completed the in-and-out workout we could attack that third mile… we could and would banish doubt from our minds… we could and would tell that little voice in our heads that was telling us, “You’re gonna die! You’re gonna crumble!” to “Shut Up!” because we had completed that workout successfully.

For me it was a ticket for admission to that racing world that you inhabited and that Elizabeth inhabited with her teammates.

We all have a multitude of other things on our minds but I think last night’s workout is a real touchstone, a booster. And you know, If a person runs this workout with understanding and commitment then no gum is needed… being able to say “Shut Up! I completed the in-and-out workout and I’m ready to go!” is more than enough.

An Experiment

It is a hot and humid day here in the Midwest. The kind of weather you didn't really mind as a kid. But as an adult, it is the the kind of weather that causes you bless everyone who ever had anything to do with the invention and manufacture of air conditioners!

The perfect day (weatherwise) to start a blog.

So begins an experiment. There is no plan (other than to start this.) There is no direction. There is no theme. Something may come of this effort or not.

I'll see what happens. Maybe people will join in. Maybe "I" will become "We." Maybe someone or many ones will gain knowledge or understanding about something they didn't know about or understand before... especially including me. Maybe this will be short-lived.

At this point, it is like putting a message in a bottle and throwing the bottle in the ocean!

If you have found this on your beach and read it, thank you and I hope your day goes well.

rf