This week I took a much overdue vacation and headed to the beach. My agenda - to run, read, and relax. Halfway through this week I have managed to accomplish each of these. Read a good book yesterday, while sitting on the beach (yep - all 340 pages!). Have avoided working - mostly, therefore relaxing. And for the past three days, I have run - a total of 23 miles. Having just completed a 12 miler, I have come to realize that "this is the life!" Elite runners are provided these opportunities. Elite runners don't really work - running is their work. No stress of project teams or market conditions or deliverables, just stress on their legs. They have sponsors who support them financially. I could have sponsors (any volunteers?). Elite runners train in difficult conditions. I have trained in difficult conditions - yesterday it was hot and sunny and the breeze from the ocean wasn't strong enough, today it almost rained on me. And on Monday, the sand wasn't as firm as I would've liked. Elite runners win races. On the beach, I organized a race to the pier, and won. Does it matter that the beach is nearly deserted in late October? Elite runners take it easy in the evening, preparing their body for the next day. I, too, have taken it easy, watching Dancing With The Stars for 2 straight nights. Yes, the similarities are quite eerie.
I could really get used to this life. Having to consume beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day is difficult work. Once my run is over, I find myself faced with choosing between water, sweet tea, gatorade, beer or wine. The pressure of these choices would get to a lesser person. Not me. I welcome those pressures and address them head on. Although, if I am being honest, I almost snapped earlier this week. The drought in the Southeast is of great concern to me. While on the beach I made the astute observation that the water level was very low - much like the lakes near our home in Charlotte. I started screaming during my run to whoever would listen that "we need to conserve water!" I think my message resonated well with those that were listening. The next day, the water was much higher up on the beach. It just goes to show the difference we can all make if we simply take the time to care.
Tomorrow I am going on a crusade against whoever is littering the beach with these jellyfish. Elite runners shouldn't have to train in these hazardous conditions...
I could really get used to this life. Having to consume beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day is difficult work. Once my run is over, I find myself faced with choosing between water, sweet tea, gatorade, beer or wine. The pressure of these choices would get to a lesser person. Not me. I welcome those pressures and address them head on. Although, if I am being honest, I almost snapped earlier this week. The drought in the Southeast is of great concern to me. While on the beach I made the astute observation that the water level was very low - much like the lakes near our home in Charlotte. I started screaming during my run to whoever would listen that "we need to conserve water!" I think my message resonated well with those that were listening. The next day, the water was much higher up on the beach. It just goes to show the difference we can all make if we simply take the time to care.
Tomorrow I am going on a crusade against whoever is littering the beach with these jellyfish. Elite runners shouldn't have to train in these hazardous conditions...
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