Good mental training

I woke up at 3am this morning to the sound of the rain pouring over the gutter outside our window and the wind howling through the big tree in the front corner of our section. It's always comforting to be tucked up in bed, safe and warm whilst the weather outside is so inclement. The only problem this morning is that I'm due to head out for an early run in two hours' time. My brain always struggles with this dilemma, to stay curled up sleeping and warm or to get up and run for hours in the rain.

After drifting off to sleep again I awake at 5:05, my alarm hasn't gone off but it's not too late. The sound of the rain has ceased and I have no excuses - I know pushing on in the rain, cold and wind is "all good mental training" according to Travis Macy, author of the Ultra Mindset. I try to remember this when when the best option isn't the easiest option, which is often.

Shoes on, warm hat, gloves and running vest sorted I head out the door. My thermometer tells me it's 7'c and feels like 3'c. I'm pretty happy with the weather, given it was 3 degrees (feels like -2) when I went to bed. You've got to embrace the small wins.

I love technology and for me technical running gear clearly falls into this category. Wearing and carrying kit that keeps me toasty warm and safe is always super reassuring when I'm out running in the hills. The right gear makes a big difference when it comes to getting out the door and remaining relatively comfortable.

Today I'm listening to The Push by Tommy Caldwell. Tommy is the first person to free climb the Dawn Wall of Yosemite's El Capitan. There is a movie about his climb that is entitled The Dawn Wall - which is well worth a watch on Netflix. My brother recommended the book as it has so much more depth and detail. I'm on the last hour of the audiobook so I've lined up a couple more audiobooks to follow.

A few rain showers come through and the wind picks up from time to time, but nothing to worry about. I'm in the trees for most of the first three hours and that provides some shelter. There must have been a few good gusts in the night because I find at least two trees over on the trails. The power of the wind is quite amazing and the way it can take out a weak tree almost appears selective. I spot a hare and my dog, Shae takes off chasing it. I can see the excitement in her eyes and she lets out a few soft whimpers as she tries to gain traction on the gravel. There's never much hope she'll catch anything but she loves to try.

The last hour home is almost all downhill, or I try to ignore the uphill bits at least. The sun is up but it's still cloudy, I've tucked my head torch away in my pocket. There is oddly something comforting about the dark when your whole world is the only as big as the beam on your light. Being in the middle of a forest, in the early hours of the morning isn't everyone's cup of tea but I love it.

I'm home just after 9am. Saturday is busy in our family with swimming. jiu jitsu, hip hop, violin and a read-a-thon today. Getting a decent run in before the day really starts is so rewarding. It could be the endorphins but running provides me with a lot of opportunities for gratitude, from mental training and listening to great books to being immersed in nature.

My wife has always told me that I'm an optimist but I have to wonder if optimism and gratitude are two sides of the same coin.