The hardest part is just showing up. And showing up is part of being a professional. My bed was really warm today. It was cold outside, with rain splattering my window, and wind beating against the walls of my apartment. But I was warm. I had my trekking socks on. They are made from thick cotton and kick all sorts of ass. I had woken up on my own instead of the alien, mechanical alarm on my phone, which is aptly titled "Sonic Pulse." I have no idea why I chose that particular ring. Probably because the others were worse. In any case, I didn't have to hear it this morning, because I woke up on my own, gradually coming to and completely content with my place in the world.
Except that it was destined to end. I have to run in the morning. I have to run so that I have the wind to train hard in the evening. I have to run so that I have the wind to out-hustle and out-fight my opponent on February 26th. I reminded myself of these things, but I didn't move. I settled more deeply into the warmth of my pillows, my blankets, and my kickass cotton socks. And then I reminded myself of all the why's and what-for's, and I got out of bed. And it was cold outside of the bed. But I splashed some water on my face and I put on my running shoes and I walked outside. And I was grumpy, and my previous feeling of being content with my place in the world was a memory that just served to irritate me further.
But I started running, and I loosened up as my muscles and tendons and ligaments started working. And then I remembered how much fun it is to run in the rain. There are, after all, puddles and such to play in. And as I started to run up the steep hill that is Franklin Street, the rain slanted to hit me in the face and I reminded myself that my opponent probably isn't running this morning. After all, it IS raining out. And I picked up my pace a little bit.
8 comments:
Good for you man! Keep it up and good luck on the 26th.
During your runs...
Picture your dream fight as you go round. Picture the warm up, wrapping hands, loosening up, feel the tension and nerves, then let them go. Picture the walk to the ring, hear the music, see the ref running through the final checks and see yourself confident and ready.
Then picture the fight. See the jabs and hooks, the quick guard changes that fool your opponent, the swift footwork, staggered timing, fakes, slips and shoulder rolls. See yourself reacting faster and thinking smarter than your opponenet. See them start to tire up and slow and know withot doubt that you've got more in the tank. Step it up a gear and catch the first hint of victory when you catch a glimpse in their eye and sense they dont want to be there.
Then when you get to a really steep hill and your lungs are burning or legs giving up on you, picture your dream knockout shot. In slow motion. From every angle. You know you have one, the fantasy perfect finishing move. Ignore any part of your brain that tells you its unlikely, cos you are out here training longer, harder, faster and smarter than the other guy, everything is possible.
Then see your hand go up at the end, and bask in the pride and euphoria. This is why you are out here, this is what matters.
Repeat on every run, whenever mind is needed over matter.
I like how you've written this. Really cool. It IS fun running in the rain! And I love how you illustrate that the competition between the opponent starts WAY before the ring!
I like this post-poetic and funny.
Great post! I'll think of it when I just don't feel like getting out of bed some mornings and how much of a slacker I would be if I just stayed asleep. Good luck on the 26th! Keep up the hard work and I'm sure it will pay off
running in the rain is fun...
until you fall in the mud.
I like this post. I admire and envy the grit. Keep it up.
Thanks for the comments, folks!
"Embrace the Suck." I like this.
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