My Fantasy Run

So, I have been running since last May. My running venue of choice had always been outside (no treadmills!) and I was committed to running all through the winter outside as well. Yeah. That didn't work out as planned. I made it through Thanksgiving in my leggings, fleece jacket, hat and gloves, but once the temp dipped below the 40 degree mark, I was out. Plus, add snow and ice into the equation and I was definitely out for the count. Luckily, I work at a place that has an indoor track that is free for employees to use. Now running on a track has its pros and cons. Pros - weather is predictable, since it is inside. I can just wear shorts (well, and a shirt). Also, there are no hills which is kind of a bonus. Plus, the track is very "giving" and probably better on my legs/knees than the sidewalk or street. Cons - it is boring. Also, this particular track is banked on the sides so it is awkward, especially when there is more than one person on the track at a given time. Passing can be dangerous! Did I mention it was boring??!! Well, that is all I had so I "put my big girl panties on" and realized the pros definitely outweighed the cons. Plus, it is free and right at my work!!

I have finally gotten used to the indoor track and actually quite enjoy it. I have my music to keep me going. Every now and then, however, it is challenging to overcome the boredom of running around, and around, and around and around again. Fourteen (14) times around is a mile so I do that 3 times! Good thing I have my ipod that tracks it so I don't have to keep count!!

Well, today I discovered a new plan to fight the boredom - my fantasy run! It is not what you think - it is not just a fake or made up run. I actually have a selected daydream that I think about and visualize during certain songs. Today it was "Desert Rose" by Sting. That was the song that I needed some extra help to get through. During that song I visualized living on a beach somewhere and being able to run every day on the beach with warm sun, sand and water. I also visualized that my hubby ran a scuba shop on this island somewhere, that we lived in an awesome little place overlooking the ocean and had our own wine-cellar. At one point I think I was running a little bed and breakfast too. It so worked! It was a great workout and my daydream/fantasy really took me there and helped me to get through a difficult part in my run. Not sure what it was about that song that conjured up that image, but that is what came up for me.

The mind is a very powerful thing to be sure. Now, I'm thirsty for a glass of Cabernet...