Running, Writing, Parenting
I’ve been a writer for a long time. I have bags of old journals and bins of old stories. I’ve also been a runner for a long time. I’ve learned a lot from both that help me with both passions. Here are some things I’ve learned.
There’s always someone faster. This is true about running, writing, parenting. There’s really no use in comparing yourself, or your family, or your home, or your story, or your race, to anyone else. There will always be someone who seems ahead or behind, smarter or funnier, cleaner or fancier, whatever. So work on being the version of you that you love best.
Progress isn’t a straight line. Have you ever run in a really crowded race? Sometimes to get anywhere forward you need to go sideways and zig zag through a lot of people or around obstacles. Sometimes your training schedule gets interrupted by injuries so you have to take up cross training to get back out on the track. Sometimes you have to unlearn what you thought you knew about being a parent in order to get through a tough time. And often, you have to stop writing one kind of project and go back to the beginning of a different project in order to reach your goal. We often learn the most from the things we do wrong, so don’t get too down about making a wrong turn.
Injuries mean you need to rest. Even writers get injuries, both physical and mental. Do not skip those rest days. They are essential to operating at your best. And yes, ice packs work on both writing and running pains. So does chocolate.
Gear: Is it really necessary? Not always. You don’t necessarily need the top of the line computer or fanciest pen to write the best story of your life. And you don’t need every fancy running accessory out there. But if it helps motivate you, maybe that new ear warmer or notebook isn’t such a bad idea.
Sleep: Is it really necessary? Yes.
Drills and Muscle Memory are Important. Habits work. Stick to the routine that works for you. Ditch the parts that don’t.
Workout Partners Work. We all need friends but it can be hard not to compete and compare. Try to focus on the support and accountability parts of your critique partners and running partners. Remember, winning doesn’t mean beating them. Winning is about doing your best.
Sometimes There Are No Medals. “Good’ is so subjective. So personal. I might finish first in my age group in a small neighborhood race but have a terrible time. I might run a the race of my life and finish in the bottom half, maybe even bottom third of my age group and not a single person even notices my moment of glory. Parenting is the same way. So many times my best moments go unnoticed by anyone. Those times when I crack a joke with my oldest son, or help my middle son master a new skill, or join my youngest in a fantastic art project are private moments that no one cares about but me and my kids. That’s life as a running parent. And life as a writing parent can be the same. Your best story doesn’t always get published. You might not win that poetry contest. There are no medals for our best moments. So don’t worry about the medals!!!! Remember the moments that matter.