Thanksgiving mindful running.

Today I ran the yearly Granville Island tradition - the Turkey Trot. A race that I really like not only because it is mostly a flat route but also because the 10 kms follow the False Creek Sea Wall, one of the most gorgeous sights there are to behold. If you have not been to Vancouver, COME! walk it and find out for yourself.

Another good thing about the Turkey Trot is that it has THE best food at the end of the race. Today we were regaled with banana walnut loaf, bagabanoush, red pepper hummus, pistchio stuffed olives, assorted charcuterie and plenty of vegetables. A bachannalian feast. PLUS this year they offered massages, yes! massages! at the finish line!! Not bad eh?

Unfortunately, for me, I did not discover running until I was in my early forties (ugh! that fact that I can say early-forties and it applies to me makes me cringe) and I really wish I had come upon the happiness it brings much sooner. One of the best race time today was that of a 14 year old who ran the race in 37 minutes! I have to say I did not envy him his time (ok, maybe a little or even a lot) but I envied him the fact that he, at 14, is enjoying running already.

I am a slow runner, more snail than gazelle and I am not efficient at it. I have a short stride, extra arm movements and my breasts, see previous blogs to get informed :) and hips get in the way. I figure I am more like an overweight giraffe than cool sleek cheetah. Nonetheless I run. I once told my good friend "I think I should stop running I am so inefficient at it" and she answered "Oh, but do you love it?' Wise wise response. I do love it.

Why do I love it? For me every race has one incredibly pristine mindful moment that makes it all worth while. It usually occurs after the second kilometer when I have got my stride just right, I've establish a solid pace and the music is playing. I forget the aches and pains and it is all just happiness and clear mind. I stop dictating patient reports in my head, thinking of powerpoint slides that need to be made and stop making plans for the week. It is just me, music and running.

Picture today: I am running pretty much "alone" except for a few walkers pushing strollers because I was late for the start (which allowed me to have my own private starting gun!). I am going over the Burrard Street bridge, English Bay to the left, False Creek to the right, the sun shinning on the East and this song comes on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_ze7QVYKg (listen to link).

Days they force you
Back under those covers
Lazy mornings they multiply
But glory's waiting
Outside your window
So wake on up from your slumber
And open up your eyes
Tongues are violent
Personal and focused
Tough to beat with
Your steady mind
But hearts are stronger after broken
So wake on up from your slumber
And open up your eyes
All these victims
Stand in line for
The crumbs that fall from the table
Just enough to get by
All the while
Your invitation
Wake on up from your slumber
Come on open up your eyes
Take from vandals
All you want now
But please don't trade it in for life
Replace the feeble
With the fable
Wake on up from your slumber
And open up your eyes
All these victims
Stand in line for
The crumbs that fall from the table
Just enough to get by
All the while
Your invitation
Wake on up from your slumber
Come on open up your eyes
Sing like we used to
Dance when you want to
Taste of the breakthrough
And open wide
All these victims
Stand in line for
The crumbs that fall from the table
Just enough to get by
All the while
Your invitation
Wake on up from your slumber
Come on open up your eyes
Sing like we used to
And dance like you want to
Open up your eyes.

And then IT happens an absolutely clear mindful moment "THIS is my life. THIS. IS. A. MOMENT. I am thankful and happy"