Nerves

"People begin running for any number of motives, but we stick to it for one basic reason-to find out who we really are." George Sheehan-MD

Tomorrow the training plan calls for the second of three 20 mile runs. I say “calls for” because I always have four options when training:

1. Train to the plan

2. Change the plan to not include the specific runs

3. Reduce the mileage and try to make it up later

4. Not run at all.

This morning I decided to choose option number one. In fact, I think I may do 21 or 22 miles, which is about three laps around Lake Zorinsky and probably means about three hours of time-on-feet.

The Friday before a 20 mile run always brings on a bit of nervousness. Will I trip on a sidewalk today and get one of those slight injuries that does not give me an out but makes the run more difficult? Tonight will I crack and eat five slices of pepperoni pizza washed down by seven Cokes? Will I be unable to sleep?

The key today is to remember that I ran 20 miles two weeks ago and everything went just fine. The other key is to remember the quote by George Sheehan and continue in my desire to find out who I really am.

I believe most people have some way of discovering and expressing who they really are, and that most people want to choose option one. Artists create; people with the gift of service give selflessly back to the community; parents invest in the lives of their children; teachers try to awaken the minds of the students. How do you discover who you really are and cultivate this process of discovery?