Running is Creative

"The amazing distances that a healthy individual may be able to run after only a few months of training can lead to an increased sense of one's ability to master challenges and to attain goals that seemed remote only months earlier. One's entire belief system about the degree to which one's life is self-determined, or internal (versus other- or fate-determined, or external), may be influenced by such successes."
Sachs & Buffone, Running as Therapy

This weekend, I'll be running in the San Diego Marathon and look forward to meeting other running Souls there. Every one of us tens of thousands of runners will have something in common — there was a time when we had never run a marathon. For a good number, that will still be true as we all line up at the start on Sunday morning. A few hours later, that will no longer be true. There will be no arguing with that. Something entirely new will be true.

Sure, they can say they have run a (first!) marathon and that's an enormous achievement. But something much bigger will also be true — that they have the power to create their own truth, their own experience, their own possibilities, their own reality.

I know no other sport that can spotlight this truth as quickly. Year after year, I have seen myself and others challenge their thoughts about how far, or even IF, they could run, and let go of the stories that have limited them. All the reasons why not (time, place to do it, not being good enough, fast enough, etc, etc) fall away under the powerful focus of intention, action, and, especially, shared commitment.

This year, at least once, challenge what is true for you about your running. Run a new distance, whether it's a first 5k, 10k, half or full marathon, or an ultra distance. Discover anew that what is true for you is what you tell yourself is true for you—and will continue to be so until you challenge it.

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The folks at SofSole recently sent me some of their products to try out. As my mileage is increasing from 35 up to 45-50 miles a week in preparation for the Bulldog 50k in a couple of months, I am listening carefully to my body, especially my feet. Having been sidelined with plantar fascitis a couple of times in the last fifteen years, I am always on the look out for products that will prevent a reoccurrence.

I started out with the SofSole inserts at the Palos Verdes Half-Marathon a week ago with my Running buddy Tiffany. We were joined by her friend Patrick, who was running his first ever Half Marathon. Patrick finished strong and redefined for himself what was possible! That was a joy to see.

The PV event is held along the Pacific Coast, a beautiful location with a lot of hill climbs and descents—the kind of topography that puts added strain on my calves and plantar muscles and can also lead to blisters. I came home in bliss, feelings strong, not the hint of a blister. I will confess to having a second secret weapon: the folks at SofSole had also included some cushion performance socks. The next sentence may not be G-rated — my feet felt as though they were being made love to for all thirteen miles. These socks are incredible. They are orgasmic. Coupled with the inserts, I experienced the highest levels of support to stay strong, healthy, and injury-free.

Well enough talk of foot orgasms—I'm off for a light run to prep for this weekend. Wishing you all happy trails and happy feet!