Happy November!

Monday, November 05, 2012 · Mike Davis

We moved into November after October left us with a bang! My heart and thoughts go out to the people of New York and New Jersey with all they have experienced the past 6 days. Events like hurricane Sandy are tragic and devastating, but people overcome and the spirit of our country truly shines. I wish that spirit would shine without having to be the result of a tragedy, but it is what it is. I was of the opinion that the New York marathon should be canceled and was glad that they did. Not the time to make running a priority.

Next week will mark the end of my work with the Seacoast Half marathon group and another team of runners will have conquered 13.1 miles. With the end of this training and the start of day light savings time, I will now switch my running over to early morning. While many people cringe at the idea of getting up at the crack of dawn in cold weather, I welcome the opportunity. It’s so easy to let the deterrents keep me from such things as running in the morning, but instead I eliminate the why I shouldn’t and focus on the why should. Running much like life is full of reasons (excuses) as to why we shouldn’t do things and all this does is hold us back. Morning running is special as I enjoy being on the streets when others are just getting out of bed. Being out on the streets when the day is just getting started, stillness is prevalent and my thoughts are free to roam. Morning running is rewarding like no other to me as I blocked out all the reasons I could come up with as to why I couldn’t run.

Not that I like using others to motivate myself, but I admit that knowing I am on the streets of Dover when others are sleeping or eating their cheerios inspires me. Some people may even mock me, but I tend to believe down deep they wish they were that motivated. It’s really not so much about me being crazy motivated, but more just eliminating the negative thoughts. When I move through the streets of Dover I prepare my mind for the day and usually my day has a greater chance for success. My only real challenge of running in the morning is taking the time to stretch before I shower and get to work. Other than that, the feeling of overcoming the mind game of excuses is amazing and one that makes me stronger mentally. For me the mental strength I gain may be the most important benefit of running. It all starts by moving without letting the negative (excuses) setting in.