Run Forest Run!

I have been in training for the Brighton Marathon since before Christmas and it is coming up in six weeks time now. Tomorrow will be my first time attempting 20K!  I will then be able to gauge a little better what 42K might feel like.  I have been inspired by the book 'What I talk about when I talk about running' by  Haruki Murakami, one of my favorite writers.  This book is about his life as a writer and as a long distance runner and how the two go together.  In it Murakami talks a lot about the mental attitude of a long distance runner and how it is similar to the one needed to write novels.  The ability to carry on, moving through what you need to get through, with no goal in sight, or so far off it is best not to think of it.  I could not help comparing this to yoga and the attitude that yogis try to cultivate of non attachment, trying to stay within the moment and work not for your rewards.  Its true that there is a main goal in the marathon for me of getting to the end, but if I fix my mind on this from the start it would be easy to give up as it seems so far away.  Better I think to try enjoy the journey, or try to live it moment by moment, whatever it may bring.  Today on my way training run home from work I stopped a heron in the water of Leith, one of my favorite moments of the day!The charity that I am running for is Greenpeace and I need as many sponsors as possible to help me raise lots of money for their awe inspiring campaigns.  Please sponsor me at www.bmycharity.com/Kristina.  Thank you!