During a particular ‘mental run’, as I like to call them, where a mix of wind and rain occurs without much warning, I came across a couple of topics as my mind was in the running mode. First was about training. It occurred to me that a long swim is equivalent to a long run of the same duration. I seem to be just as strong with all the swimming I have been throwing in my training as I am when I’m just running. The mental and cardiovascular systems are all there despite the difference in activity. This is great since swimming is perfect for when you have an injury (left Achilles’) or tapering for a race. In swimming you need flexible ankles so it may have actually helped heal my Achilles’s strain. It was either that or the cold water reducing the body’s inflammation. This cross training is great but it’s important to remember that you need to train for your event in order to do your best in it. A good distance swimmer could run a marathon but not with a terrific time. Train for your event.
Second is to find joy in trials and obstacle’s. I kept saying how refreshing this rain run was to myself as well as out loud. You know what? I came to believe it. At times obstacles and trials can cause you to get downhearted. Viewing the obstacles and trials as joyful despite the fact that they really may not be will cause your outlook of the challenge to change. After you finish and accomplish the task you are stronger and happy. Happiness in persevering and when you look back on the challenge you can say to yourself, “It wasn’t so bad.” You actually enjoyed getting out of your comfort zone. It’s all about taking a positive view of things. (Johnny singing) Why do we need the rain, anyway?...
Third. The thought of God providing strength and support in a literal way by the food and water we eat and take in. We all chose what we take in on a daily basis. The example I was thinking about was that you can have a big piece of chocolate cake or a Mango. No doubt the Mango being the better chose. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with treating yourself to chocolate cake. But I’m talking about a big piece. An excess of sugar. So in the example the cake represents evil (Excesses, no control, no balance) the Mango being and representing good (in proportion, control, balanced). In order to not get weighted down and crash we need to have BALANCE AND CONTROL when we do anything. It’s easy to just eat a whole big piece of cake and go into a couch coma cause of it. Learning to save some for later and savor some IN THE MOMENT is a better way to go about it. Eat less, Enjoy, do more. It reminds me of biking. In order not to hit the rock, or go over that edge we need to be aware of the obstacle but not focus on it. Focus on balance and control instead. Focus on where you want to go, not where you don’t want to. Focusing your attention on another person, place, or task will help avoid the ‘evil’ cake. Focus on the Mango.
