Pushing on
Carolyne Aarsen
I've recently taken up running. I never thought I'd enjoy it as much as I do. What I like the most about it is I can put on my running shoes, step out the door and go at it. I don't need any special equipment, though I have to confess when I saw the fun shirts at The Running Room I decided I 'needed' some of those to go with my new running shoes. Running has opened up whole new wardrobe options!
But it has also given me a good analogy for my writing. What I love the most about running is having done it. Just like what I love the most about writing, is having done it. I feel great when I come into the house after a run - all rejuvenated and healthy - but there are times when I'm running that part of my mind is saying "That's good enough, you've done enough for now, just walk. Besides, you're tired. You need a rest. Tomorrow you can run a bit more." And then I think, really? Am I really that tired? Couldn't I go just a little further NOW? So I go on a bit more and pretty soon here comes that pernicious voice. "That's far enough now. Just stop. You're knees are getting sore and you're running out of breath. You're not a marathon runner and besides, you're not even going that fast." And back and forth it goes. Sometimes I give in, but mostly I realize that I can carry on my knees are not that sore and who cares how fast I'm going besides the Nike app on the iPhone.
Writing is exactly the same thing. I sit down at the computer, open up my file and shortly after I start working I have that same nagging voice badgering me. "You've done enough writing for the day. Take a break. Play Solitaire, Bejewelled, check Facebook, read your e-mail. Tomorrow you can write more." Sometimes I give in, sometimes I push on. And always, always, I feel better when I've pushed on. Always I'm happier when I get up from the computer, with whatever goals I've set for myself, accomplished.
Writing. Running. Both require ignoring this voice that wants me to fall short of what I know I can do. Both require pushing through the resistance. Both are hard to do. But both give me the same sense of satisfaction when I've done what I set out to do.
What about you? Do you have those same voices in your head that drag you away from thing that are hard - things that require pushing through resistance? What do you do about them?
13 Comments:
At June 30, 2011 10:02 AM,
Judy said…
I have the problem of first getting the shoes on and making it out the door! I was wogging for a while (walk/jog) and then my knee got mad at me and I stopped. I was really enjoying it. I do try to walk with a dog but right now we are in our 115 heat time, ok I could go early in the morning or later at night but....
At June 30, 2011 2:04 PM,
Faith Hope Cherrytea said…
constantly! distractions that draw me to the trivial, the easier thing than the substantial & worthy... thx for posting ") gd to hear frm another xperiencing same issues! and well done is pushing thru/sticking with it!
At June 30, 2011 2:26 PM,
Barbara Phinney said…
I used to love running. You've brought back memories, but oh, I know what you mean about aching! Like writing we do have to push through, don't we?
At June 30, 2011 2:38 PM,
Carolyne Aarsen said…
I think knee issues are the number one problem for people who want to run. What surprised me is that usually is the case for me, but since I started doing strength exercises (weight lifting) my knees are able to take the stress from running. Plus I got myself some really good running shoes (and some cute clothes) at the Running Room. But yes, Faith Hope Cherrytea, it is so easy to be distracted by trivial things because they are trivial and fool us into thinking they wont' take that much time when, in fact, they can.
At June 30, 2011 10:14 PM,
Celtichart said…
I admire your dedication to running. I have trouble trying to motivate myself to get on my treadmill daily.
nphd99@juno.com
At July 1, 2011 4:15 AM,
marybelle said…
The voices in my head lead to procrastination. I dither, I makes excuses. I feel guilty. I should just push on with whatever I am delaying.
At July 1, 2011 8:05 AM,
Rose said…
Yeah I have that problem too. Especially when excercising.
andantespirit08@gmail.com
At July 1, 2011 10:34 AM,
Valri said…
Good for you Carolyne. I admire your dedication. I can't run because of a knee replacement issue but I walk a couple miles every day and I have the same thing happen - once I just put the tennis shoes on and GO OUT THE DOOR, I love it! Keep on running AND writing! Valri
westernaz@msn.com
At July 1, 2011 10:55 AM,
Pat Davids said…
As a confirmed couch potato, I can only say how much I admire your determination and drive. You go, girl!
Pat
At July 1, 2011 4:12 PM,
Jackie S. said…
Not a runner (age!), but have been walking for 28 years!! I do miss some days....and have to push to get up earlier now that it is so hot! But can't imagine life without it!
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
At July 2, 2011 11:14 AM,
Carolyne Aarsen said…
Thanks for the comments and encouragement. Truth is, I used to HATE running. Then I bought an elliptical strider (I live in the country and am thirty miles from the nearest gym) and I worked out on that in front of the television - the only way I could motivate myself. But I think doing that strengthened my legs and knees and gave me endurance that I now use for running. Plus running gets me outside and because we live in the country, it is quite pleasant when it's not raining! I used to walk a lot as well and I still think it's one of the best exercises because you can do it anywhere.
At July 2, 2011 11:17 AM,
Carolyne Aarsen said…
And just so you all know, those are NOT my legs in the picture!
At July 4, 2011 4:17 PM,
Camy Tang said…
Carolyne, that is so awesome you're running! I just started running a little less than 2 years ago and have loved it since. I use the Jeff Galloway Run-Walk method and it totally WORKS!
In fact, after starting on that method, I ran my first marathon December 2010! I wasn't the fasted person out there, but I finished strong and it was awesome.
I wanted to run a marathon before I hit 40, and wasn't sure I could do it since I've had two knee surgeries, but my knees have never felt better since I started running with the Galloway method. It's really a great method.
My writing is kind of like a marathon--I do a lot of prep work (plotting) which is kind of like training, then rush through to write the manuscript all in a few weeks.
Post a Comment
<< Home