Time

“So what was your time?” is probably the number one question other runners ask. It is also the question I am least interested in. I won't deny there is a natural curiosity but it pricks the ears of my ego and makes me feel like I am running backwards rather than jogging forwards.

Yet time can be a useful, important and powerful indicator. It is also very effective at putting life in perspective. Anyone who really knows me, knows I want it all. Preferably yesterday before I even knew I wanted it. Meditation and living mindfully makes me just about bearable to live with. When I first started meditating I was on my second retreat where they taught two meditation techniques; mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhvana (loving-kindness). Our meditation teacher, Saty, only came down from his meditation hut on the mountain twice a year to teach. An eager participant asked him how long Saty had spent on these two types of meditation before he felt he could “move on.” Saty took a few minutes of silence to really consider this answer and then solemnly answered, “3 years.” Right there, at that moment, went my plans of conquering meditation on a one week retreat. And here I am 5 years later still practising, but now with the knowledge that it took one man 3 solid years sitting on a mountain.

Time frames give a path, like stepping stones, guiding me in the right direction. But some moments in life time itself struggles to time; like how long it takes to fall in love, discover enlightenment or find the car keys when your 19 month old has set the car alarm off? My guess is that the most important journeys in life time can not define.

This is why I take issue with these “Run 5km in 5 week” programs. To me, it is like the fast food version of running. Which I guess makes whatever it is I am doing the slow food option. Running with spirit certainly isn't the fastest way to become a runner. It took me 9 months to run 5kms. And some days I do not even run that, but it is still a better achievement than me just thinking about doing it. Or doing it for 5 weeks and then never again.

I've come across some running time frames that do inspire me. I stumbled across this idea of “building your base” in running when I was reading “Running with the Mind of Meditation”. The Osteopath Peter Goodman was quoted saying: “...bones are not stagnant; they are constantly changing and developing. Because they have blood vessels running throughout, through the pressure of running, they become harder and more resilient. Likewise, the tendons become conditioned and tough, and the muscles become stronger.” It continues to say that “building your base” takes two years. For me, this an achievable time frame.

And despite the belief that healthier, fitter able bodies only exist in their twenties the most successful professional long distance runners are in their late thirties and early forties. In a fascinating article "You're Only as Old as You Run" , which I recommend reading in The New York Times, it states: “ People over 40 now comprise 46 percent of (marathon) finishers.” So there is time for me yet. Because I'm defiantly in this for the long run. And time is on my side.

The Merry Christmas Run: Spreading goodwill and cheer on the run.

I purposefully avoid looking any “real runners” in the eye, so scared I am of being exposed as a fraud. Running in the Canadian countryside, this is rarely a problem as mostly it is wildlife I encounter. But now I am in urban Australia and surprisingly scornful stares have been relatively few. Actually runners generally are scarce. This is as a surprise. Where are they all? Surely not using the weather as an excuse. It takes me awhile to find some runners. Originally I was pounding the streets of suburbia, but once I had some wheels and could venture further afield I found some. On the beach, the esplanade that runs alongside the Swan River and in the ample Kings Park bushland. It makes sense with such scenery at your doorsteps you feel obliged to make the most of it. However the running scene is slightly disappointing, compared to the jubilation of down town Halifax in Nova Scotia. Cycling appears to be more popular than running here in Perth, Australia.

By far my favourite meditation is Metta Bhvana and I have been eager to incorporate this into my run, for sometime. If there is a particular friend who I wish I could be there for, and am unable, I try to generate as much love and positive energy as I can muster and visually direct this towards their heart. A form of prayer, but it is more about giving than asking. The most important part is to direct some of this love into loving yourself first. Everything I can give the world is better if I begin from a place of strength and love.

I came across another runner who had a similar idea and called it the “Mother Teresa” run. I have “tweaked” it to suit what I am comfortable with. It is very simple. Every time I approach someone along my running path, I try to make eye contact with them. Acknowledge them in some way; a nod of my head, a wave a “hello”. I then say (in my head!) “May you be well. May you be happy. May you be free to grow old and wise.” I use a lot of visualisation but I really love the theory behind this run but the reality is somewhat different. I cannot overcome shyness in looking the few runners I encounter in the eye. Luckily they seem to be too engrossed in talking into their mobile phones to notice. I start feeling like my children, who when food shopping yell “Merry Christmas” to strangers shopping only to get ignored. This, however, does not impede on their enthusiasm and I am inspired by their determination. Funnily, it is the dogs that seem to respond to my good intentions more than the runners. I like to think they are more sensitive but a multitude of reasons can be read into their response.

Even if there are no plans to run during the festivities, the Merry Christmas Run is not limited to the holiday season. When I finish this type of run I always feel really wonderful. Which has always been the irony behind giving anything that it is the giver that receives the most. I include, you in this too because in your busy life you have taken the time to read my ramblings and often share with me your thoughts on running and everything else between the starting and finishing line. I feel truly blessed and appreciate all your support, kindness, advice and feedback. My hope is that love, peace, faith and joy is in in all your hearts this Christmas. And to be found in all our runs in the New Year.