Short and Sweet

Some morning thoughts on this second day of Spring...

As distance runners, we can tend to become infatuated with running farther and running more.  But sometimes, the runs that have a lasting impact on us are the ones that are short and sweet.

I awoke today at 5:00am thinking about the Fire Tower Trail at M. Cone Manor (Blowing Rock, NC).  For me, it's one of the best runs in America.  Obviously, there's an endless supply of incredible runs out there, but this one has had such a profound impact on me as an athlete and a person.

A great run changes you.  In July, 2011, I had a run on that trail that I still claim as the best run of my 16 years in the sport.  It was one of those days where everything just worked: my pace, the way my legs felt, the clarity of my mind, the rhythm of my entire body.  I recall how summer thunderstorms framed the setting sun, casting a red-orange fantasy-light on the freshly washed green of the upper meadows and forest groves of Appalachia.  To say the least, it was Epic.  A multitude of elements came together to create one of those days where 5 miles outdid satisfying.  It was one of those runs that humbled me as a human being.

A great run is many times just a short and sweet one that reminds you that it's not always about going farther or faster.  It's not always about trying to beat the competition or to outdo yourself.  It's about making that connection with your environment and "finding yourself" out there.  Those are the days that allow you to give your best in your next race or on a particularly tough training run.  You'll remember the joy and magic of that day, and it'll bring a smile to your face every time.


Always searching for the next Key Experience,

J. Brewer

Waiting It Out

I have spent a good bit of this quiet Sunday morning thinking about how badly I want to be in my element, training for my next race and spending as much quality time on my feet as I can.  I have had a lot of time lately to ponder this, as I have been "down and out" and living vicariously through Runner's World articles and fellow runner's blogs.

What I want to say is that it's quite alright (and in fact very healthy) to have time away from what you love.  While it may be difficult, this downtime allows one to put things into perspective.  With the right attitude, you will find that it's time spent away from what we love that inspires new passion and an increased sense of awareness about why it is that you do what you do.  Being off of the road and trail has given me ample time to reflect on past joys, and maybe more importantly, past mistakes.  Thus, I can thrive on my joys and simultaneously re-wire the circuitry where the errors were made.

So use your downtime, whether because of injury or a caveat, as a tool to improve yourself, further strengthening your focus, motivation and behavior.  And remember to enjoy your time off.  Don't rue it.  Once you are back into your routine, having truly reflected on who you are and why it is that you do what you do, you'll find that you are literally a new person.


Always searching for the next Key Experience,

J. Brewer