Shift Happens

What a difference a few months make in running!  Only a few months ago I was following a training schedule, consistently knocking off and enjoying longer mileage and faster paces.  These days it’s an effort fitting in my shorter, plodding runs. 

The runs themselves are still enjoyable, but finding the time and getting out the door is more challenging.  But instead of aiming to complete a goal race, I’m on course for the local Outstanding Out-of-Shape-Guy award—with certificate suitable for framing.

Fortunately, I’m still the same running enthusiast.  Still can’t shut me up about running, and I’ll rally behind anyone else’s running success and enjoyment. 

A few weeks back I posted about some great running books, and forgot to mention a favorite I reach for when my running motivation needs a kick in the pants.  Check out Better Runs by Joe Henderson.  The book is filled with practical ideas to improve our running success or to jump-start a stalled phase.  The book is an easy read and includes sections on: 

• Better races
• Better rests
• Better results
• Better schedules

• Better workouts
• Better goals
• Better seasons
• Better rewards

• Better shoes and products
• Better diet
• Better friends
• Better thoughts

Complete satisfaction with our running doesn’t exist—because everything can be improved on.  So if your running is full of shifts, like mine, just recognize that shifts happen.  When they do, there’s always “better” to aim for.

Shift Happens on Flickr by Lia