Read, run, read

I'm running a 5k — from home!
Will you join me?

Sara Roswell, of Life's a Wheeze, is hosting the Wheezy Virtual 5k. Everyone is invited— from couch slugs to marathon hounds. All breathers and wheezers welcome.

It's simple: On Saturday, March 19, run 3.1 miles, on the treadmill, around your neighborhood, in a park, at the mall, whatever works for you. Before and after the race, check in at Life's a Wheeze.

To get in the groove, I'm taking literary inspiration from running-related reads:

Heartbeat, by Sharon Creech, is the engaging story — told in verse — of 12-year-old Annie, who finds solace in running as the world around her shifts and swirls.  Creech, with a masterful light hand, explores how we become who we are, how we are unique and yet how we are all alike, and to what degree we should conform.

Running for the Soul, from Road Runner Sports, is chocked with short, real-life triumphs from runners of all ages and abilities. This slim but powerful book will have you lacing your shoes and raring to run long before you've hit the last page.

I've got a week of reading and training ahead, and I'd love your help. Tell me, What gets your mind and body in the movement mindset?

Comments

[Auburn McCanta]

I'm in! I'll be slow, but I'll be there. :-)

[drew]

It's not the time, but effort, that counts! Happy to run, jog or slog with you, Auburn.

[Molly]

Drew, you have to read "The Running Novelist" by Haruki Murakami. It was in the New Yorker a while back (that's real helpful isn't it..... I'll try to track it down for you).

[Drew]

Thanks Molly. I'll look for it.

[Fred]

I'll try Drew. Of course my favorite movement piece is "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer.

[Drew]

Thanks Fred! Love those last three lines.

TREES

by Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918)

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.