Resistance is futile

I know this is a subject that I have aired before, on more than one occasion, but as it's something I frequently rediscover and then forget again, I thought it worth revisiting.

After my trials with a sore shin for a few weeks, and concerns in the back of my mind that my stress fracture of a few years ago might be rearing its head again, I have been finding even my mile-and-a-bit daily sojourns rather like running up hill, even the downhill bits.

My body has felt like its lead content has been dramatically increased and each step has felt like hard work.

Then this morning something changed.

Actually this morning's run was slower than any of my previous runs in the past month, but I suddenly realised that it didn't matter and I didn't care. Hell, I was doing it anyway, even if it did take just over 15 minutes to run 1.3 miles.

And when I got back I realised that yet again I had been resisting my sluggish running performances over the past few weeks.

Yes I know I tell others to just be with it and entertain the possibility that where they are could be the perfect place for them to be right now, but like most of us I'm pretty damn good at feeding others medicine but not so hot when it comes to taking it myself.

Somehow this morning I managed to let go that running so slowly and feeling extra heavy on my feet was bad.

Somehow I gave up resisting it and just let it be, as Paul McCartney used to sing so beautifully in the days when his voice was still good.

If I'd realised I was resisting, I might have been able to let go earlier, because as everyone knows resistance really is futile.

So, seeing as this seems to be somewhat of a recurring nightmare, how do I propose to catch myself, and let go, earlier next time?

I could try and remember to check in with my running happiness gauge, or I could ask myself the question, "And what is OK about this?"

I'll let you know what works.