|
Dear :
Late in 2019, before we even had a glimpse of the pandemic, I signed up to run a 50k. That's 31.0686 miles—so, a marathon plus 6 miles.
Then, pandemic! The race was cancelled.
I heaved a huge sigh of relief because book tour, Ed's health crisis, the launch of You Should Be Writing, and pandemic blahs, left me without the oomph to train for that mileage.
Someday, I said. Just not now.
Earlier this week while I was having a root canal after a crown fell off (IKR - what a week!), a runner friend texted. She was at Colin's Coffee, right around the corner from my house. Both fully vaccinated (per CDC guidelines) we sat outdoors and chatted. THE JOY! After, as I walked to my car, I spotted the 50k sticker on the back of her SUV.
Someday, I said. Just not now.
This morning, that 50k that had been cancelled emailed to say prices would go up at midnight. A few months back, I thought about checking to make sure my registration was indeed cancelled, but book stuff, life stuff, and stuff stuff snuffed out the thought as quickly as it had arisen.
Today, I checked.
Oops.
I'M STILL REGISTERED FOR THE 50k!
The race that was cancelled last year automatically deferred all registrations. We'd received a credit for the Airbnb, but no refund for the race.
And, the race is June 5th.
Double oops.
Apparently, the time is now!
I thought about transferring my bib and even had someone interested. Then, I made the "mistake" of telling Ed. He got so excited at the prospect of a weekend away. We still had the credit for the Airbnb. The race is outdoors with full COVID19 protocols. It's a flat course. And, I have 24 hours to complete it. "You can do it!" he said. That's what he always says. And, he's usually right.
How many of us have tamped our emotions and reined in enthusiasm to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe?
Until I saw Ed's beaming face, I didn't realize how much I had been holding in. Ed is ready to "party" (and by party I mean stay in a highly sanitized Airbnb and spectate at a socially-distanced outdoor event).
I realized I'm ready to "party" as well.
Of course, this joy is mixed with anxiety. Franklin County where we live is still "purple" with infections and hospitalizations. And India, horrific. The pandemic is far from over.
Still, pardon me while I go run a whole bunch of miles in the next five weeks, just in case. On race day even, Ed and I will make a final decision.
But for now, it's ON!
Ed's smile will make those extra miles even more worthwhile.
Responses to "Looking for a Through-Line"
Thank you for the many responses to my previous essay.
Lora explained her through-line:
I've always prided myself on being able to help people find the common thread in their work history to help them write their resume and look for jobs. Now I need to do this for my own business.
And she had many helpful thoughts about my through-line:
You are about habits that help you thrive. I called you when I didn't know how to get out of bed because you have a tried and true way to do it. Your running is
about getting started and keeping on going, even if just for a minute. And that is the whole crux of writing practice. Put your pen on the page and keep it moving. Your habits help people to keep moving. Habits that keep you moving. Bum glue (the old name of my blog) spoke to the habit of showing up and focusing. Depression Hates a Moving Target is literally about how you adopted a habit that keeps you physically moving to keep out of depression's
grip. Meditation is the habit of showing up at the mat (cushion) or for yourself. More simply, maybe it is about showing up.
Lisa wrote:
Interesting to think about! In the very broadest sense, your through-line might be keep moving forward while giving yourself grace. Keep running, keep writing, keep practicing mindfulness, and do so while being ok with your imperfectness, for perfection is not the goal.
See the pattern? I do. It's helping me make big decisions as I continue to step out into the world.
Mental Health/Running
In addition to that 50k (and a half marathon May 23rd), I signed up for Runstreak for mental health awareness! I'll run or walk one mile a day during May. If you want to join, there's some lovely swag!
And don't miss the "Running for a Healthy Mind" event I'm doing with the folks at ChiRunning! I mention the book ChiRunning or their methods more than 20 times in Depression Hates a Moving Target. I really believe in what they do.
On the Blog - Wellness author and speaker Rachael Wolff was my latest "victim." Check out her answers to my nosy questions.
Promote Your Work
I've added "Feature Friday" in our Mind, Mood, and Movement FB group. If you have a business or product you want to share, hop in the group and watch for the Friday posts. Add your link in the comments.
The Writer's Mind
I also host a writing practice Facebook group, The Writer's Mind, for people interested in using Natalie Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones) tools and methods to create work aimed at publication. It's still in process, but growing.
Sweet, sweet, reviewers!
If you left a positive review for Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing, THANK YOU! Make it go even further by copying and
pasting it to any other site. Every positive review or rating on ANY SITE counts. If you enjoyed either book and haven't had a chance to, please leave a review. Even a few words go a long way.
These direct links to Amazon make reviews easy:
YSBW - Paperback
YSBW - ebook
DHAMT - Paperback
DHAMT - ebook
DHAMT - Audiobook
Don't have your copy yet? Purchase Nita's books here!
Events & Classes
Events and classes are still online. No matter where you live, you can join:
May 5, 2021 - (2pm to 3pm EDT) - "Running for a Healthy Mind" ChiRunning webinar
May 7, 2021 - World premiere of the music video "Run with My Troubles" by musician Jason Didner in which the pupperina and I are featured! Watch for it on my blog!
May 12, 2021 - (2pm to 3pm EDT) - This is My Brave author talk Part of the This is My Brave #BraveDays series
August 8, 2021 - (2pm to 5pm EDT) - Writing from the Inside Out
SEE ALL MY EVENTS ON MY WEBSITE
Stuck in your writing process?
Whether you're a new writer, already published, or somewhere in between, chances are I've faced what you're up against. I'd love to help.
We'll hop on zoom or that phone thingie. You'll tell me your quandary, and I'll share my expertise. I have a ton of resources, and decades of experience heading people in the right direction.
I wasn’t sure where to start. Your ideas provided a 'heads-up here’s where you need to go' path. The biggest challenges with new authors are the deep-dive editing surprise, the author platform, and the publishing world. It was helpful to know what to expect.—Susan
Email me at nita@nitasweeney.com to discuss this service.
Are you a writer?
For 18+ years Write Now Columbus, a once-a-month email newsletter for central Ohio readers and writers, arrives in inboxes. Editor, Tami Kamin Meyer and I compile author events, workshops, writing conferences and other resources in central Ohio. If that interests you, sign up HERE.
Please Take Care
If I can help in some other way, please ask. Email is always the best way to reach me.
Take care and be well.
~ Nita
Sharing is caring!
If you enjoyed this email, please forward it to a friend!
If you received this from a friend and would like to sign up, please do so here.
About Nita:
Nita Sweeney is the award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and co-creator of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving. A long-time meditator, three-time marathoner, and former assistant to writing practice originator Natalie Goldberg, Nita founded the Facebook group Mind, Mood, and Movement to support mental well-being through meditation, exercise, and writing practice. She also publishes the monthly email newsletter, Write Now Columbus. Nita lives in central Ohio with her husband, Ed, and their yellow Labrador retriever,
Scarlet. Follow her on you favorite social media channels!
 |
|
|