Mind over matter

I love running. It is a passion that some do not understand. When everything falls into place, it is close to magical in the way the body responds. Even on days when little nicks and ticks have been playing on the mind, some days just come together. Mind over matter. Or simply the zone.
The zone doesn’t have to be a four minute mile. It doesn’t even have to be a PR. Just a smooth gliding feeling on the road or trail or track. It happened to me recently in a race. And the weird part it, it was only for part of the race. I started reeling someone in and felt like I was barely touching pavement. Then as I got within 20 yards, I started over thinking it and the zone was gone.

You have to enjoy it while it lasts, though. It is hard to stay in that freedom from thoughts and pain. As humans, we are always thinking about something. Work, the kids, running… All of these things can help or hurt a run. But when that zone is in effect, the best thing to do is just think about one foot in front of another. You will be at your destination soon enough.