Saturday, January 19, 2008

Balance.....

Before I go on a rant... let me start out by saying, "I ran today.... and I didn't cramp!!!!!!" Ok, well maybe that wasn't too funny, but I have had in the back of my mind all week, "What if I start cramping all the time, when I run?" "Was last Sunday, the start of my cramping running career, maybe the end of my short-lived normal running career?" Question answered today... I didn't know how much I was going to run... I just wanted to run... and feel good. As I have said earlier in previous blogs, it is therapeutic for me to just go out there and be in my own little world. Anyways, it was just like every other time... perfect!!! No cramping, no issues, just a little fog and a light drizzle.... Here is the run....
Ivy Lake Easy Run
So anyways, this week my main focus was to figure out how I could possibly prevent the things that happened to me last Sunday in future races. I did a good amount of research on my issue, and the main thing that I found was how important it is to maintain a balance with hydration... too much = major trouble, too little = major trouble. You just have to find a balance, and unfortunately it is going to be a trial and error type of thing for me, until I figure this whole thing out. I'm not planning on this happening to the severity that it happened on Sunday, but this is going to take time. So I guess I'll start with not taking in as much water, and try to limit the bathroom breaks to less than 25 in one day (seriously, that's about how many times I went... ok too much information, sorry!!)
But the other thing I thought about while running today was that balance is so important in life, with everything that we do. As much as I enjoy running, there are so many other things that take precedence over that... such as my Lord and Savior, my family, friends and work. But, I always have to try to make sure that those things stay in that particular order. Sometimes, I overload with too much of one thing, which throws the others off balance, which can lead to spiritual/personal/vocational cramping...if you know what I mean...
So I guess the reason that I am saying all of this is because this week I have gotten numerous e-mails, text messages, and phone calls from friends, family, current and former patients who read my blog or have been affiliated with me in some fashion (whether I have trained them or treated them as a therapist) and I have been so grateful to hear how my experience, starting from early last year to this Sunday, has inspired so many people. Although running has now become a fond hobby of mine, and has so many health benefits and brings so many positive things to my life, I don't want to come off by any means to make anyone think that it brings ultimate happiness, and in the interim you will look great (you do lose a lot of weight, though)!!!
My true peace and happiness comes from the things that I have talked about earlier, in the order that I put them, with the 1st thing (my relationship with God) being the thing that keeps me grounded and helps me keep focused when my personal electrolyte levels get out of whack!!!! I lose focus at times, and with the never-ending help of my family, friends and constant prayer, I usually am able to right the ship. Sunday's experience was no different. Determination, family, friends and most importantly God, allowed me to complete that race. Unfortunately (being in the profession I'm in), I realize that my running hobby can come to an end at any time, so until then, I will enjoy every minute of it, but I vow that it won't engulf my life to the point that I lose touch with the real important stuff that goes on... which is not a 26.2 mile race, or any race for that matter.
With all that said, for those of you (you know who you are) that feel motivated to get things going in your life from a personal fitness level... I just want you to know that I will assist you in any way that I can, and congratulations!!!! This is the 1st step that will lead you to great things!!!! Just remember balance is the key!!!! Keep the important things important, and it will make your new or existing fitness hobby even more enjoyable!!!!!