Week 8: Four miles

1:01 hours, 38 laps, 30:60 second run/walk ratio

I had a really good run today, despite the weather—it was cold and drizzly, then started snowing at about lap 23. I had originally planned to drive into town, but with the cold and wind I decided to just run around the house. I started out with the 1:1 lap ratio, but, as on Thursday, decided after three laps to switch to running about halfway and walking the rest of the way. So it wasn't exactly 30:60, but close enough. I ran the first 19 laps clockwise, and the second 19 counter-clockwise.

What really made it enjoyable was that I dug out my iPod shuffle and loaded it up with a couple of audiobooks, and listened to the first three parts of Pema Chodron's Getting Unstuck while I ran. It was very interesting and pleasant and kept my mind occupied while my body ran around and around. Yes, it's a bit ironic to be using a book about mindfulness and being in the present moment to keep myself distracted while I run. Hm. There was a short guided meditation in the middle where we were to relax and listen to all the sounds around us: I listened to the wind and my footsteps and my breath as I ran.

But even before I started running, I was using mindfulness to feel that running in the rain was going to be an interesting experience, rather than labeling it as bad and being attached to having good weather to run in. And I was actually kind of delighted when it started to snow, watching the white snowflakes falling all around, and feeling the cold little drops on my hands. I enjoyed the experience of being outdoors in the winter while I ran today.

After Getting Unstuck, I also have the Dalai Lama's The Art of Happiness to listen to. And then I suppose I'll have to get some more audiobooks to listen to while I run!