Wake me when Christmas is Over

Does anyone else feel this way? Having not much of a functional family, no family of my own that I have created, and my spouse's family that sets off the anxiety bells, I am glad when Christmas is over. The loneliness ovetakes me, the days wind down to Christmas Eve when I am supposed to feel something, feel the connection to family and something greater. The only thought that ovetakes me is getting past January 1st and being in a normal routine again. No more family members that could not care less when I call, write or walk in a room. I look forward to getting back to my friends, my dog clients and exercising. Feeling like an outcast on this supposed special day is enough for me to mark it off the calendar for next year. I try to help others around this time of year to allay the feelings of loneliness but, it only goes so far. No family members gathered around the warm fire for me. Give me acold day spent outside with my dog and I am much happier. Did I mention I had to board my dog Axel for the holidays?

Less than motivated

Runners live and die by the weather forecast. An accurate forecast can also forecast my mood and motivation. When the weather is sunny and crisp, I can run for miles, full of smiles and good spirits. Turn off the sun, add some rain, cloudy weather and I feel like calling off the run and crawling in bed with a good book. Some days it is better to do something rather than nothing. Today was one of those days. After looking at weather forecast and seeing that it will probably be rainy tomorrow, my expectations are properly set and the run will be a success!

Expectations

With the end of my running career in plain sight, it is nice to be able to run again. My arthritic knees cannot handle the fast running on pavement on long, fast runs. I have started running with a few friends that are getting their running feet firmly under them and it has been nice to trot along at a pace my knees can handle. Gone are the days of sub 6 minute miles, gone are the 4 hours runs at 8 min pace. They have been replaced by 2.5 hour 16 mile runs, easy days at 10 minute pace. Running is still rewarding at any pace and I enjoy the tiredness that comes from an honest effort. Maybe that was what was underneath all those fast runs anyway. It is nice to have my sights set on the experience and have that firmly in focus.

Running video

Active Spouse and Active Dog = Active Life

I think you could add Active kids in here too! Recently while I was camping in Hot Springs NC with my friends Cosmin and Simona, Simona noticed that the kids in the campground were all of normal, healthy weights. Since I grew up camping and being active I thought that was the norm for many years. Now I see many overweight kids. When I run or bike through neighborhoods I see few kids out and about. What happened? I think there is a corelation between active parents and active kids. These seems to extend to people that have active spouses and dogs too. I know that when Charlene is more active it pushes me to be even more active than usual. I have to keep up with my young wife! My cattle dog Axel also helps me be active as well. For his and my sanity. If you have an active dog your life will be hell if they don't get enough activity. Dog people seem to be more active than cat people. I know the cat people will hate me for saying this! Get out there and be active, your spouse, dog and life will thank you.

Tin Man Run

Some days the body does not cooperate. I went out to Umstead yesterday for a 6 mile run on trails. I knew my back was a little tweaky from something but,like usual I ignored my body. I will make it do what I want damnit! Company Mill trail is a little rocky to start out and when the rocks abate my body usually loosens up and flows a little. This time it felt like I was stiff and tight. Okay, stop and stretch, that will do it. Nope. Sprint to every other trail marker should do it. Nope. Walk a little. Nope. Okay, just run to the bridge for a 2 mile run, that will be acceptable. Nope, ain't gonna happen. Tuck my tail between my legs and hobble stiffly back to the car. Yeah, That is what my body wanted. Oh, to see the car again :) It was time for some beer and trashy TV. Just what my body ordered!

Encouragement and motivation

Despite 31 plus years of running and staying fit, I never felt like I truly motivated another person to run or stay fit. My motivation well is deep and fills anew each day. The first thing that runs through my mind when I awake is, "What workout can I do today?"
The thing that has slowly dawned on me is that motivating another person is actually impossible to do. It has to come from within and outside forces don't motivate very well. Sounds sorta sad, huh?
Encouraging another person is another thing entirely. It comes from a place that puts their needs and interests first. Support in helping someone attain their goals can be a wonderful thing. Who doesn't want someone to care and listen and show interest in their goals. So be it fitness, financial or life goals, I think I will just lend an open mind, heart and listen and encourage where I can.