Perfect timing Terrell. I am actually almost finished reading Running and Being right now. And I have gotten a few of my run friends to read it as well. Very surprising that a book written that many years ago could still be relevant today. But it is. The play aspect is my favorite part of his message!!! (Although I do get a little tired when he "whines" about a 3:15 marathon being a poor performance 😂
Hi Terrell, Thank you for this post! It's funny I've been playing around with a poem on how running is my playtime. I hear "I play soccer" "I play basketball" How cool would it be to hear "I play running". Thanks again and happy running.
Hi Terrell! You betcha! You want me to post it in this thread? Let me know. :) Would love your thoughts. I'm not going to share it with my community until next week. Happy Friday, Julie H
I LOVE this post--especially since I used Seinfeld as my "discipline/routine" role model starting in January. I was trying to finish the edits of my manuscript--to get them to an editor--while working a full-time CEO gig. Only way I could do that was to get up at 2-3 am EVERY.DARN.DAY. I would write until 6--do an hour of exercise--and then get ready to go to the 'paid' gig. At first it was a challenge--and then it just became "something I did." I had been told that Jerry had a goal of "write jokes for 3 hours a day." So I thought I would do the same. Write on my novel for 3 hours a day. And it worked!
Thank you! I finished the lion's share of the work--my editor going through it line by line--there will be another round, but I'm seeing the finish line! Novel was inspired by stories my mother-in-law told me of her family's experience in Nazi-occupied France. And one last "Jerry tidbit." I had also been told that he scheduled "write 3 hours a day" on his calendar, so I did the same. Got a desktop version, and every day I hit my goal, I drew a big heart on the calendar before crossing off the day as "complete". (Sometimes, it's the little things that make a difference--or at least for me!) Thanks again for the serendipitous post!!!!
Thank you! I'm getting ready to start pitching it (going the traditional route, fingers crossed) so it's a "process." But I did my part--aka writing the best book I could--and so I'm ready to give it up to the universe. On to the next challenge! And thanks for asking...
Love this post. I too "fight" the training schedule. It feels heavy like a chore which removes the play and the joy of running. There is a balance between the repetition needed and the creativity to run as a way to learn about my body and mind. Sheehan was an early inspiration for me. That section you mentioned so resonates with me.
Thanks so much, Kathleen!! I'm glad it resonated with you -- sometimes I don't know if what I write will do that, or if readers will scratch their heads and wonder what I was trying to say 😃
Thank you T. Good email. Great email. I had to laugh though, at myself. You have quoted Sheerhan before. But I didn’t know who he was. In my mind I always picture Ed Sheerhan, the British singer. And I thought “wow, what an insight person.”
So I am glad you included a picture this time. It helps me think more clearly this time. 😬 Seriously the deep thinking subject matter and self revelation is very good.
We had an uncharacteristic Spring day here in Cincinnati. It has been in the 40’s & 50’s. Today was near 80. I went on a 20 mile bike ride after work. It is my version of cross training and helped a lot last Fall with AF 1/2. The ride was awesome! Fun. Relaxing. Yes it was a bit much. But I had a blast. It was my 4th this season. Others have been colder.
So thank you for the deep thoughts. And know that we all struggle with them. I turned 58 on Mon. And I started high BP meds in Dec. it has been really hard to get physically and psychologically motivated over the winter. I have another 1/2 coming up the 1st weekend in May. And I needed this shot in the arm. So thanks. You are doing great work my friend!
Thank you so much, Ben!!! You are definitely in my thoughts with the things you mention. It's tough for me too in the winter -- the sky is so gray and cloudy, and the leaves are all off the trees, it's hard to get motivated to get out there. I struggle too!
I’ve run two races in my life, both were just 5ks, and I did so because my stepdad asked me to do the first one with him and the second because I thought maybe it was for me. It wasn’t. My father has run all his life, along with things like softball and basketball as ways to exercise. My stepdad used to run marathons a long time ago (he just passed), and one of my stepmoms (I’m on my third) was a marathon runner and speed walker. It was memorable running my first race with my biological father on one side and my stepdad on the other, along with the fact that I ran really fast to the finish line with tears in my eyes because I was so amazed I actually made it, but that’s about it. No offense, but I’ll take roller skating any day! 😊
It is ironic that when I force myself to do hard things life is easier and I am happier. The routines help keep me centered but it is important for me to keep everything in perspective. My life today is beyond my wildest dreams.
It's so interesting how things in life like this can be counter-intuitive; that what brings us happiness or contentment turn out to be things that seem difficult at first. I'm so glad to hear that!
Really appreciate this post. I've been a competitive runner for 13 years, and so often give much more weight to and appreciation for the work I do with my body as a runner, than the work I do writing. But in reality, running and following a training plan is so straightforward--you just keep putting in miles and get fitter and faster. Writing requires us to create something from nothing--that's next to impossible!
Great article, perfect timing. I am entering the last 4 weeks of training for the Eugene OR 1/2 marathon and it is getting hard - but will all be worth it after crossing the finish line. No matter how long it takes to get there. Thanks.
Thanks, Ken! This is the crunch time you're in, when it definitely gets hard, and when my motivation always wanes -- so I'm right there with you. It will feel great crossing that finish line, for sure -- it'll definitely be worth it!
Great note Terrell as always! Ran my first speed workout yesterday as I'm planning to RACE the Helderberg in Albany on 4/16. And then, this happened: I am headed to Portugal in late April/May. I always look for races when I travel - such a great way to participate in a local community. Well, if they didn't move their March Half to May...when I am there, in Lisbon! The biggest Half Marathon in Europe and currently the world record course for both men and women. So OF COURSE i signed up...to run this one, not to race, but cannot wait. That, my running friends, is how my running is going!
I had the great opportunity to meet Dr. George Sheehan when he visited the EX PHYS lab in about 1979 at the University of Illinois when I was working on my doctoral degree. I had read his work in RW, and was quite inspired when he came into the lab.
Wow wow! I just found out about your page and really like this piece. I'm training for my first ever half marathon too and have been struggling with discipline and suffering through the plan and rigid scheduling. Play is important! This is much needed
Totally hear you. It is available as a downloadable Kindle book; I also have a paperback copy that (I think) I bought through Amazon... so it is out there, but you're right, it's largely been forgotten. His writing is so inspirational.
I haven't run in an organized race for maybe 5 years now. I used to run 2 or 3 every month. The pressure of being race-ready was too much, and not fun. Imagine being injured and wasting $50-100!! These days, I run because I run. I prefer it.
Perfect timing Terrell. I am actually almost finished reading Running and Being right now. And I have gotten a few of my run friends to read it as well. Very surprising that a book written that many years ago could still be relevant today. But it is. The play aspect is my favorite part of his message!!! (Although I do get a little tired when he "whines" about a 3:15 marathon being a poor performance 😂
Ha! I totally agree -- who could complain about that?! (Unless you're trying to get into Boston or something like that... but still!)
Hi Terrell, Thank you for this post! It's funny I've been playing around with a poem on how running is my playtime. I hear "I play soccer" "I play basketball" How cool would it be to hear "I play running". Thanks again and happy running.
Thanks so much, Julie! This is really cool -- will we get a chance to see the poem when you're done? 😃
Hi Terrell! You betcha! You want me to post it in this thread? Let me know. :) Would love your thoughts. I'm not going to share it with my community until next week. Happy Friday, Julie H
I LOVE this post--especially since I used Seinfeld as my "discipline/routine" role model starting in January. I was trying to finish the edits of my manuscript--to get them to an editor--while working a full-time CEO gig. Only way I could do that was to get up at 2-3 am EVERY.DARN.DAY. I would write until 6--do an hour of exercise--and then get ready to go to the 'paid' gig. At first it was a challenge--and then it just became "something I did." I had been told that Jerry had a goal of "write jokes for 3 hours a day." So I thought I would do the same. Write on my novel for 3 hours a day. And it worked!
Thanks so much, DMW!! Okay, I am BLOWN AWAY by all this. Have you finished the manuscript? And what's it about?
Thank you! I finished the lion's share of the work--my editor going through it line by line--there will be another round, but I'm seeing the finish line! Novel was inspired by stories my mother-in-law told me of her family's experience in Nazi-occupied France. And one last "Jerry tidbit." I had also been told that he scheduled "write 3 hours a day" on his calendar, so I did the same. Got a desktop version, and every day I hit my goal, I drew a big heart on the calendar before crossing off the day as "complete". (Sometimes, it's the little things that make a difference--or at least for me!) Thanks again for the serendipitous post!!!!
DMW amazing job! When is your book birthday?!
Thank you! I'm getting ready to start pitching it (going the traditional route, fingers crossed) so it's a "process." But I did my part--aka writing the best book I could--and so I'm ready to give it up to the universe. On to the next challenge! And thanks for asking...
YES! Ship it out! Then on to your next book! :) Drip by drip...
Love this post. I too "fight" the training schedule. It feels heavy like a chore which removes the play and the joy of running. There is a balance between the repetition needed and the creativity to run as a way to learn about my body and mind. Sheehan was an early inspiration for me. That section you mentioned so resonates with me.
Thanks so much, Kathleen!! I'm glad it resonated with you -- sometimes I don't know if what I write will do that, or if readers will scratch their heads and wonder what I was trying to say 😃
Thank you T. Good email. Great email. I had to laugh though, at myself. You have quoted Sheerhan before. But I didn’t know who he was. In my mind I always picture Ed Sheerhan, the British singer. And I thought “wow, what an insight person.”
So I am glad you included a picture this time. It helps me think more clearly this time. 😬 Seriously the deep thinking subject matter and self revelation is very good.
We had an uncharacteristic Spring day here in Cincinnati. It has been in the 40’s & 50’s. Today was near 80. I went on a 20 mile bike ride after work. It is my version of cross training and helped a lot last Fall with AF 1/2. The ride was awesome! Fun. Relaxing. Yes it was a bit much. But I had a blast. It was my 4th this season. Others have been colder.
So thank you for the deep thoughts. And know that we all struggle with them. I turned 58 on Mon. And I started high BP meds in Dec. it has been really hard to get physically and psychologically motivated over the winter. I have another 1/2 coming up the 1st weekend in May. And I needed this shot in the arm. So thanks. You are doing great work my friend!
Thank you so much, Ben!!! You are definitely in my thoughts with the things you mention. It's tough for me too in the winter -- the sky is so gray and cloudy, and the leaves are all off the trees, it's hard to get motivated to get out there. I struggle too!
I’ve run two races in my life, both were just 5ks, and I did so because my stepdad asked me to do the first one with him and the second because I thought maybe it was for me. It wasn’t. My father has run all his life, along with things like softball and basketball as ways to exercise. My stepdad used to run marathons a long time ago (he just passed), and one of my stepmoms (I’m on my third) was a marathon runner and speed walker. It was memorable running my first race with my biological father on one side and my stepdad on the other, along with the fact that I ran really fast to the finish line with tears in my eyes because I was so amazed I actually made it, but that’s about it. No offense, but I’ll take roller skating any day! 😊
Simply, Thank You! Perfect timing. As I read this I felt like you must have been living in my head for the past 2 weeks.
Tim, I'm so glad! How is the running going for you?
It is ironic that when I force myself to do hard things life is easier and I am happier. The routines help keep me centered but it is important for me to keep everything in perspective. My life today is beyond my wildest dreams.
It's so interesting how things in life like this can be counter-intuitive; that what brings us happiness or contentment turn out to be things that seem difficult at first. I'm so glad to hear that!
Really appreciate this post. I've been a competitive runner for 13 years, and so often give much more weight to and appreciation for the work I do with my body as a runner, than the work I do writing. But in reality, running and following a training plan is so straightforward--you just keep putting in miles and get fitter and faster. Writing requires us to create something from nothing--that's next to impossible!
Puts it all in perspective for me.
So glad to hear that, Kate! I agree so much, and it's nice to hear someone like Seinfeld say it, because he's so good at it; it's hard for him too!
Great article, perfect timing. I am entering the last 4 weeks of training for the Eugene OR 1/2 marathon and it is getting hard - but will all be worth it after crossing the finish line. No matter how long it takes to get there. Thanks.
Thanks, Ken! This is the crunch time you're in, when it definitely gets hard, and when my motivation always wanes -- so I'm right there with you. It will feel great crossing that finish line, for sure -- it'll definitely be worth it!
Great note Terrell as always! Ran my first speed workout yesterday as I'm planning to RACE the Helderberg in Albany on 4/16. And then, this happened: I am headed to Portugal in late April/May. I always look for races when I travel - such a great way to participate in a local community. Well, if they didn't move their March Half to May...when I am there, in Lisbon! The biggest Half Marathon in Europe and currently the world record course for both men and women. So OF COURSE i signed up...to run this one, not to race, but cannot wait. That, my running friends, is how my running is going!
Thanks, Michelle! And how exciting is that?! I'm so happy for you -- you'll have to share with us how it goes when you get back 👍
I had the great opportunity to meet Dr. George Sheehan when he visited the EX PHYS lab in about 1979 at the University of Illinois when I was working on my doctoral degree. I had read his work in RW, and was quite inspired when he came into the lab.
Time passes quickly!
What a cool experience, Mark! What was he like?
Wow wow! I just found out about your page and really like this piece. I'm training for my first ever half marathon too and have been struggling with discipline and suffering through the plan and rigid scheduling. Play is important! This is much needed
Thanks so much, Minh! And welcome to our group!! What half are you training for?
Great life/running philosophy. It is a shame that Running and Being isn’t in print anymore. So many runners missing such great insight.
Totally hear you. It is available as a downloadable Kindle book; I also have a paperback copy that (I think) I bought through Amazon... so it is out there, but you're right, it's largely been forgotten. His writing is so inspirational.
I haven't run in an organized race for maybe 5 years now. I used to run 2 or 3 every month. The pressure of being race-ready was too much, and not fun. Imagine being injured and wasting $50-100!! These days, I run because I run. I prefer it.