PENCIL AND PAPER

I have to admit, I have this “habit” of looking ahead to a new goal or project prior to completing what I’m working on. Yesterday I had a bunch of things floating around in my head.

First, I was sending emails, left and right, regarding my new blog. I asked a bunch of people what they thought of the idea. I also came up with a bunch of general questions that could be applied to any runner. Of course, I had to send those to some people and get their opinions and additions.

Second, somewhere along the line I became the race director of a 12k. Well, not really, but emails went back-on-forth regarding why we need a 12k in town, where we could set up a course and when we could hold the event.

Finally, I got an email last night asking if I would be interested in written a bi-monthly column for the Minnesota Distance Runners Association’s magazine. Apparently, during all the whoring, err, I mean marketing of my blog, it somehow got into the hands of the managing editor. I’m still not sure which blog she’s talking about. I only marketed my new blog, but it’s hard to imagine the one interview, of myself, would lead to a writing “career.” Of course I said I was interested. I love the sound of my own keyboard as much as the next guy.

You can see that there’s a lot going on lately. One thing you didn’t see mentioned; the Chicago Marathon. Maybe I’m better off being distracted. Then again, maybe I’d run better if I stayed focused on the task at-hand.

Anyway, it’s not like I’ve stopped training. Last night I jumped on the treadmill for an 8 mile progression run. This morning it was an easy 8 miles.

The prospect of writing a bi-monthly column did cause me to do something this morning that I haven’t done in 27 years of running. I carried a pencil and paper with me. While I’d like to think my mind is like a steel trap, I know some of my ideas while running slip my mind by the end of a run. Believe it or not, I actually used the pencil and paper too, as I wrote down 2 ideas for articles.

Quote of the day;

“Cross country is like poker. You have to be holding five good cards all the time.” – Rollie Geiger, North Carolina State coach