Physics

Yes, physics.  Lynnette and I went running today at the Rose Bowl and things are moving very slowly, but surely.  We skipped our Saturday six-mile run with Train To End Stroke for fear that it was going to rain cats and dogs, only to find that it was a gorgeous, sunny morning and the rain rolled in a little later on (And yes, I know any serious runner would have said 'Screw the rain' and have gone anyway, but quite frankly, I was really nice and warm and cuddly in bed and it was nice to sleep in).  But, we did run on Sunday, albeit for about 30 minutes, and not quite six miles.  And skipped yesterday because ankles were hurting and it was President's Day, blah,blah, blah.

So why physics?  We ran this morning, or walked, rather, doing an eight minute walk, two minute run interval.  The first two minutes I was dying.  I know that that's a strong word and I can have a flare for the dramatic (according to John anyway), but my stomach was hurting from trying dried apricots as my running fuel, I can tell I need new shoes because I am starting to feel it in my left knee, and my inhaler left me queasy.  And those two minutes felt like ten.  Even after that first interval, I had an impulse to ask Lynnette if we can turn around and call it a day after a mere ten minutes. But we kept at it, and on the third interval of running, I couldn't help but think of how true Newton's first law is - "Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it."  I was/am very happy to sit around and lounge and eat all day (my uniform motion), and saying yes to this marathon was/is the external force (and I think I'm going to need lots of it) that has gotten me up and running again, no pun intended. 

And of course, once we were done, I felt good.  The queasiness was gone, I focused on my form so my knee felt okay, stomach was still weird, but I still got through it.  Yet another affirmation that no matter how awful or lazy or weird I feel before I run, I always feel so much better afterwards.

So thanks Newton, for figuring this stuff out.  I realized how this applies to so many areas of my life - career, love, relationships, etc.  and am currently working on getting those external forces to get me going and work on what I really want from all of this - balance, joy, and knowing that somehow, I'm contributing in my own positive way to this crazy world of ours. 

By the way, a huge thank you to the  Miyasaki family, Eric Jarvina, and Teresa Huang for their generous donations to the American Heart Association!  You are all amazing and I really appreciate your support.