Mindful Running

I’ve run only a handful of half marathons and was sure the last one was my last. I randomly ran 10 miles out at Bent Creek near Asheville a few months ago and decided maybe I could run another one. So, here we are, a couple weeks out from the True to the Brew run out at Croft State Park. Training has been fun. I enjoy a trail more than the pavement, I’ve ben able to get out in a variety of beautiful places, my running sidekick (Jimmy Carter) has been with me for most of it. I’ve also really appreciated trying to take a more mindful approach to running. I tune in to my diaphragm when I’m breathing, my feet as they hit the ground, I drop my shoulders and soften the muscles on my face. When an uphill is hard or my knees hurt on the downhill, I bring my attention to what’s bothering me and breath into it while acknowledging it won’t really last that long. The long runs become a meditation and so far, I’ve mostly be a little sad when they’re over. The race is in 2 weeks and I know I’ll be ready for a break once it’s done but I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Getting outside and moving and processing life has been a good practice and I’m grateful for it.