Attitude is Everything

Hi.. Ive got to tell you .. Attitude, especially a bad one has plagued me my entire life. When I say that out loud most people who hear it act surprised. I should just say that what happens in my brain is very different from what shows on the outside. Why is this important? Well, Ive found that a Bad attitude actually dictates the outcome of whatever it is that your trying to accomplish. In my life, I dont start yardwork, cause it will be too hard, or I talk myself out of a hard workout because I will hurt tomorrow. And as you may guess, very often yardwork doesnt get done and I dont achieve my fitness goals. Lets vow together to focus on whats in front of us and let our attitude reflect that moment in time rather than our perception of what might happen or what has happened in the past. I think we will all be better for the effort. Enjoy this months post Dave ********* I am under no illusions about my running abilities. I was first “recruited” to run in High school. My brother, driven by some unknown force could run the mile in sub 5 minute time. So by virtue of blood, I must be able to run fast too!? Not true. I never actually came in last in our track meets but I frequently shook hands with the last place participant, in a celebration that was more like a kinship of survival rather than sportsmanship. These days, my normal 2 times per week run is 3 miles at a slow pace. …. I have opted for comfort over speed. I was invited to join the local runners group for a run. They meet at 8 am, every Saturday morning at Hyperion. Upon my arrival groups began forming. I had to decide where I fit. There were the fast guys, who despite the low 30’s temperature were in shorts and tee shirts. I guess they didn’t expect to be outside long enough to get cold. This was not my group… There were the folks who expected to go longer distances keeping them running for a couple hours. They had water dispensers strapped around their waists in what looked like superhero utility belts. Again, not my group… Then there were those I like to think of as the normal people. Those going moderate distances at what I consider a moderate pace. I saddled in here. George (of backpacking fame) who invited me, decided to hang back and run with me. Everyone takes off at the same time, but very shortly after, the different groups start taking shape. It was a great spring day, it was cold, but the birds were chirping and the flowers and trees were starting to bloom. The group was laughing and having a good time. Attitude check: good. The course meanders through old town, down Princess Anne; under the tracks back up Caroline; Past old mill park; and then onto the canal path. Beautiful! From there onto varying routes based on the distance you would like to run. We were going 4 miles and I was happy with this decision. I first hit trouble 30 minutes into the run. I was fighting it, but my resolve was weakening and my pace had slowed. We were running along one of the most beautiful spots on the river, but I wasn’t seeing it that way. No longer was it a great spring day, I was cold, and I was breathing heavily. Flowers? Hah! I couldn’t see ‘em. Attitude check: Uh oh! The canal path, which I could just make out through the haze of my negativity, is a beautiful paved trail running right down the middle of Fredericksburg. My legs felt fine, and although labored, my breathing was normal. My brain, however, not knowing where we were going and how far it really was could only focus on the negative. I began telling myself that I wasn’t going to complete the whole distance. I kept running. Attitude: B-A-D This section of the run seemed to take forevvvverrrr. More negative thoughts came as I plodded joylessly passed the dog park. There was a collie barking out obscenities. If I had more energy, I would have barked back at him. Attitude: OMG! Then, rounding the corner at William Street, I finally knew where I was. A weight lifted. I straightened up my posture, my stride increased. Then, as Hyperion came into view, I felt even better. The aches began to fade and angels sang. Attitude: Phew! In what he certainly felt was a good joke, George had led me onto the 5 mile loop (5.5 miles actually), not 4 like we had discussed. Attitude: surprisingly grateful. To his credit, I did finish further, and faster than I would have on my own… and then there was my first cup of coffee after.