#122 - Don't Like My Running Style

Not a Great Look
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There's nothing pretty or impressive about my running style these days.  During chemo I grew to accept my stop & go, sluggish pace... the rare times I tried to run.

Since radiation started, I've had more energy and less muscle fatigue, but I still feel like I'm in one of those "running in molasses" dreams. And it's obvious from my socks that I've given up on my running fashion.

​Running in the Dark
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Back when mornings were dark, I was able to motivate myself to run more easily.

When Daylight Saving Time ended, I felt like the sunshine was spotlighting my draggy pace, as well as my silly head covering. The bandana/ball cap combo, seems to be the only thing that will not slip off my head. 

Running in Broad Daylight

The other day I talked myself into walk/running with Don in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day, with more people wandering the neighborhood.  I added sunglasses to my running costume and hoped to avoid social stops along the way.

We almost finished the "loop" when I spotted some neighbors I haven't seen in months.  I dreaded the slowdown, but our short encounter ended up giving me a boost.  I was surprised by the warmth of our kind neighbors, who had heard of my cancer through the grapevine. I had expected an awkward meeting and instead was given some kind words, a little hand holding and a promise of prayers.  Hindu prayers actually.  My first.

Motivation Needed
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​The other morning I took a different route. I needed to distract myself with different views and get my mind off how much I hate running these days.

I laughed at the sign that scared my kids when we moved into the neighborhood 18 years ago.

​No Gators
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​I wish I'd spotted a gator. I've only seen one gator in the hood, in almost 20 years.

The only wildlife I saw, was of the flying sort.

A Stump

​I enjoyed running along the creek keeping an eye out, where I spotted that gator, many years ago.

Another morning, I attempted another route and ended up behind my son's old middle school. As I trotted by, I remembered the year it opened, when Scott started 6th grade. There were 2 big trees then. Today I spotted just one grand tree and a pretty humongous stump. I had to take a moment to study the rings, before moving on.

​Greeting Others
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​I like to run in my own private world. I consider my run a success, if I complete it without seeing another human.  One day, I attempted to change my introverted attitude, by greeting everyone.

One feeble looking man looked up from his pecan picking chore, with a look of surprise. I repeated, "Good Morning!" and a grin covered his face. Then I noticed a new crossing guard! The old one refused to smile and the new guy hollered, "Beautiful day!"

New Attitude

​After a few greetings, my altered route took me along the backside of the lake, just as the morning sun hit the fountain. 

I stopped and took a cell phone pic and sighed. My dreaded run had given me some nice moments.

It's nice to know, exercise will only get easier, after I finish up treatments. For now, I'm going to enjoy the scenery more and worry less about how I look... in the scene.
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