I’m a runner. Running is supposedly an “easy” sport. You put on sneakers (aka. “running shoes”) and do what you’ve been doing ever since you mastered walking. Sure, you can make more of it—and when you truly train for something, you do—but at its essence, it supposed to stay simple.
However, the step between deciding to run and actually running, tying my laces, creates a challenge for me. If I don’t get the tension just right, running just feels wrong. Tied too tightly my laces restrict blood flow to and from my feet. Tied too loosely my laces allow my foot to flop like a single sock in a clothes dryer. Only when the connections are correct can my run feel anything close to comfortable.
That idea, connections, has always intrigued me. As a result, connections often consume my thinking when I’m logging miles.
That’s what this blog will be about: running, thoughts I have while doing it, and anything else that seems connected, no matter how remotely, to it. Postings here will be mentally drafted during my runs, and, as time allows, crafted to communicate to any interested readers.Don’t expect deep insights (though I’ll try) or just another runner logging his mileage and weather conditions. Most posts will fall somewhere between the profound and mundane—at least that’s the goal. You can let me know via comments how close I come to either end of the spectrum.
[And if you are a runner who wants to know my mileage and other mundane details, find me at dailymile.com (kdwashburn) or at nikeplus.com (kdwashburn). Those are the my sites of the mundane.]
Until next time, may your laces allow you to keep moving forward.
Thank you Tom Whitby for tweeting about this new blog.
ReplyDeleteKevin, this is a great introduction! As a sometimes runner I can totally relate. For some of us, just making the time and/ or effort to get those laces tied and go for a run is the hardest part - the plan is there, it feels great when it's done (and yes, the laces have to be just right) but putting on those those shoes is so often the stumbling block.
I am starting a new role as a K-5 Technology Integrator and am currently thinking about how to motivate teachers to take that first step. Like exercise, most of us know what we SHOULD do something but actually starting or keeping it up is the hard part.
I think I just realized my role could be to help individuals develop their own plans and be their "running buddy" or coach, depending on their style. Thanks.
Looking forward to your future posts!
Thanks, Lara! Love your connections of your new professional role and the concept of a "running buddy."
ReplyDeleteNon-runners often say, "I could never run X miles!" It usually goes unheard, but I explain how I started by running for 30 seconds and then walking for 4.5 minutes, and repeating that cycle until I'd been active for 20 minutes. I think sometimes our fear of starting is a fear of taking the small steps—not wanting to look like a walker when we want to be a runner.
Wishing you well, both in the classroom and on the trails or roads that rise to meet you!
(And, yes, thanks Tom for the support and help in spreading the word!)
I run just about every morning before going to work, and it is a spiritual and focusing time. I look forward to reading your blog. Great idea!
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