The benefits of running in LalaLand

I've been marathon-bound for just over two weeks now. Two weeks with Team in Training has transformed me. I've been baptized in sweat and pavement, reborn as Hardcore Runner, Labor Rights Activist, Hilarious Autobiojournalist, Outdoor Photojournalist, Motivational Typer, Footwear Guru, Nature Enthusiast, Mega Philanthropist. To the max. For reals. Over night.

I exaggerate. But in the quiet of my almost-daily runs, these are the fun self-indulgent fantasies with which I entertain me. Such fun this daydreaming is.

Here are some benefits of daydreaming, particularly of the while-running-almost-daily brand:

1. a.) Being forced (by the necessary avoidance of the looming boredom that would, if given the chance, overwhelm my body's physical ability to run at all) to watch my mind wander down imaginative thoughtful trails, and
   b.) Allowing myself the time to notice and enjoy what my mind finds along its way.
   In other words, spending time in my imagination, uninterrupted by multitasking or email.
   


2. The meditative practice of acknowledging the surprise cognitive appearance of a stressor but still allowing myself to choose not to solve the stressor at the moment it comes to mind. I enjoy seeing myself learn to just breath and run, and accept that stressors will exist whether I run or not. I am learning that I may as well enjoy my run.
   
   
3. The rejuvenating affects of creative and imaginative thought. Given the freedom of time, peace, and distance from a computer that almost-daily running affords, I've come to recognize how creative, and even childlike, my thoughts are. Childlike. Younger. My brain feels younger after spending time in LalaLand.
   
   
4. The deepened appreciation for relationships that comes from spending extended time thinking about them. Before I venture into LalaLand, I usually spend some time thinking about Mike, the Baylys, the soon-to-be Spatchellmans and Johnsons, my family. And I always discover another reason to love them in the process.

Some other fun non-running things that I am appreciating this week:

1. The wildflowers around the pond in my neighborhood, Issaquah Highlands


2. The wooded running trails through my neighborhood


3. The SUNSHINE!!! (Not a single day run in the rain so far)


4. Spandex (or Compression Running Tights for the other pros out there). I've crossed the line from afraid of it to loving it. Oh - and my running skirt too--so cute


5. Eating lots of carbs

And I owe the motivation to run almost-daily to all of the people who have been supportive already. Your overnight support has fueled my overnight enthusiasm. Thank you for your donations, blog visits, emails, and conversations. Thank you. I am running for you--together, we will have more fun!!