Running! If there’s any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can’t think of what it might be. In running the mind flees with the body, the mysterious efflorescence of language seems to pulse in the brain, in rhythm with our feet and the swinging of our arms.
~ Joyce Carol Oates
One of my goals in life is to run a 5k. Actually, I’d like to strive for a marathon, but it seems best to start small in matters that involve exercising the body and overcoming the “I can’t” in the brain.
My short-short-term goal is to run the length of the driveway. It turns out the length of the driveway is not a kilometer as I was told. Since I’m more comfortable with miles, let’s switch over to those for a minute. The length of the driveway (one way) is one-fourth of a mile. I figure that’s a good start.
Yesterday I wiggled my toes into my Vibrams for the first time this season and set out on a walk/run. My mileage was a grand total of 2 miles. I could have kept going, but experience has taught me that it’s best not to overdo it while my legs are adjusting to the Vibrams. I’ve been stomping around in my hiking boots the past few weeks so it was something of a relief to wear my Vibrams again. (That said, my legs ARE sore today.)
If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.
~ Priscilla Welch
Today I managed 2.5 miles, and ran half the length of the driveway during one of my running intervals.
It’s time for another poll regarding the Owl in the Garden. I stopped by to see him today.
He looks surprised, doesn’t he? I asked which name he preferred, but he’s keeping it to himself. Perhaps he doesn’t want to influence us.
I reckon that’s it from the Wabi-Sabi Ranch for today. Thank you for stopping by. And a big thank you to those of you who signed up for my letter writing project. I’m off to the post office tomorrow to mail out some letters. (You can still sign up if you like. Email me at ordmagic@gmail.com. I’ll need your name and address. In exchange, I will send you a letter via snail mail.)
Be good, be kind, be loving. Just Be. 🙂
breezes at dawn 
wait what letter writing project?
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It just occurred to me that I should have linked back to that, Elisa. In a nutshell, I offered to write letters to anyone who wants one. I miss hand writing letters, and decided that since I have a slow internet connection automatically making me cut back on my online time, this would be a good time to take up letter writing again. 🙂
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Link added, but just in case:
https://breezesatdawn.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/dogwood-dreams/
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Such beautiful views!
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Thank you, Colline. 🙂
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You get to run in “toes”!
Used to love to run – joints can’t take it now and I miss it – but I can walk really really fast and pretend if it’s windy!
Enjoyed the race.
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Thank you, PhilosopherMouse. 🙂 lol! Sometimes a good wind will carry you along as if you’re running.
My joints couldn’t take running when I was wearing the recommended shoes with support. My knees would hurt and swell, and my hips and lower back would hurt. I read about barefoot running, and decided to give the Vibrams a try. My joints do well with those (although my muscles get mighty sore when I first start wearing them).
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Robin, what inspiration you provide…running, too!
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Thank you, Kathy (PP). I don’t feel like an inspiration most days…
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I used to run….5 or more years ago. Long story. Have you ever read anything by “The Penguin?” He’s a middle of the pack, end of the pack runner and I think you’d enjoy. He says it’s not important that you have the courage to finish a race..it’s that you have the courage to start one. Or something like that. I too would like to start running again. My feet hurt. I can’t promise to keep up with you but I can try. Will go read about the letter project. Did that a couple of years ago, committed to writing one letter a week for several months. Was wonderful.
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I have, Dawn! I read his book, “Marathoning For Mortals.” I also get his newsletter. He was heavily involved in the Capitol City Marathon in Columbus, OH, and I often thought I should train for it, but never really got off the ground with it until now.
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I am engaged in a similar run/walk program. Fortunately my dog does well alongside and keeps me inspired :-). Beautiful green views you have!
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Maybe we can spur each other on, WinsomeBella. 🙂
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I so wish I felt that way about running!
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It’s an odd thing, Tammy, but the only time I enjoy running is when I’m actually doing it. Getting myself to start is always the hard part. 😀
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I have never been a runner, and being a few months shy of 65, I’m afraid to start now. When I go on my morning walks with hubby, he jogs and walks, and I’ve tried to jog some but can only manage to keep it up for about thirty seconds at a stretch. Guess I am just destined to be a walker. Good for you for having the incentive.
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Thank you, Susan. 🙂 I don’t jog for very long just yet. Thirty seconds sounds about right to me. Maybe 45 seconds on a good day.
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I loved that heron shot – how nice you could get that! And the path to the graveyard is really cool too.
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Thank you, Nancy. 🙂
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Love the rose, Robin – gorgeous.
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Thank you, Lynn. 🙂
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I applaud you goal, and will raise my glass to it…but running is not my thing. Unless I’m running after a Small Grandchild, obviously 🙂
Beautiful, peaceful photos today…just what the doctor ordered!
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lol, Marie! Small Grandchildren are good at motivating us to run. 🙂 Thank you.
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I have to visualise distance/measurements in ‘old money’ Robin, or else It’s useless for me to try… I jogged along for a bit, but you left me far behind.. 🙂 …I shall raise my game next time though, so be warned.. Zoooooom!! … Owl looks chirpier, as if he knows how famous he is now…I bet he thinks it’s a ‘hoot’ *cough* … and on that note I shall say, have a great weekend and happy new trails. xPenx
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LOL, Pen! Owl is wise enough not to let all this attention go to his head. 🙂
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I am so impressed by your running ability. We won’t even talk how many years ago I last ran… No, that’s not true. Sometimes I run during a walk just for the joy of the moment. Very short runs though. 🙂 It looks like my owl vote name is in 2nd place.
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That’s interesting, Kathy! I was doing the same (running during a walk just for the joy of it), and that’s why I decided to give running a try again. 😀
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