In Medias Race

First a quick stats check-in. I am about 3/4 of the way through the half marathon training program. I am progressively getting stronger and faster. I also feel hungry all of the time, which could be a combination of increasing my workouts and dehydration. I am continuing to cross train, but I could certainly push myself more. With my community’s COVID numbers and outlook improving, I have decided to venture back into in person cycling and yoga classes. I may also join a gym to have access to a wider variety of weight and cardio equipment. I tried a new trail this weekend for my long run. It was hillier than I anticipated, but I still managed to reduce my pace by almost 30 seconds per mile!

A few weeks ago, I had a strange dream, which is not unusual. At one point in the dream a woman stopped me and told me to read the book, A Separate Reality. I don’t know if I had heard of this book somewhere and it just stayed in my brain or if this was some message from the universe. Regardless, I set out to find this book and discovered there was not only a book with this title, but that it was the second in a series by Carlos Castaneda. I was not familiar with Castaneda. His writing are right up my ally, and I am surprised I have not encountered them before now. This trilogy, beginning with The Teachings of Don Juan, was purportedly written from his field notes and work as an anthropology graduate student. In the series, he spends time learning the ways of Peyote and the universe from a Yaqui sorcerer and shaman, Don Juan. There is some debate, but mostly a consensus, that the works are mostly fiction. Fiction or non-fiction, they are filled with interesting insights into the ways of our souls and the universe.

I have been mostly listening to the audiobook versions of the trilogy because I don’t always have large chunks of time to sit and read. I listen while I drive or while doing household chores. The above quote is frequently found on list of famous quotes, and one that is resonating with me this week. It is a good reminder that sometimes we just need a shift in our perspective when encountering difficult tasks or moments. So, though I dread those cross training workouts, I try to focus on the results of the work. The endorphins and confidence that come with exercise bring the positive changes that propel us forward. Focusing on the positive outcomes rather than the difficulty of the moment makes the overall experience more enjoyable and something I am willing to return to again and again. I would rather walk through my tasks and life happy and fulfilled. The effort is the same, I might as well choose the enjoyable rather than miserable path.

His work has also given me some new ideas and things to meditate on while I run. I am currently in the third book of the series, Journey to Ixttlan. At one point Carlos and Don Juan have a discussion about death, and it stuck with me. “The thing to do when you’re impatient,” he [Don Juan] proceeded, “is to turn to your left and ask advice from your death. An immense amount of pettiness is dropped if your death makes a gesture to you, or if you catch a glimpse of it, or if you just have the feeling that your companion is there watching you.” He continues, suggesting that death is our constant companion, it just has not chosen to touch us yet. Knowing that should drive our decision-making and perception. Knowing our minutes are finite and our time here could end at any moment, what choices would we make? Would I rather spend these finite minutes feeling frustrated, impatient, angry and so on?Or, would I rather try to find the hope and joy. I choose the latter. However, I do acknowledge that negative emotions have a place and purpose. We should feel our feelings. I am sure there is some balance. Maybe we should reserve our negative reactions for those instances that truly call for it. The work that is life will continue either way. This is what I will be mulling over this week.

As an aside, for the next week or two, I would ask that you not approach me from the left.

What do you think about when you workout or run? Do you have any new insights to share? Let me know in the comments.