Two Speeds

I start each run by walking to the end of the block.  This is my warm and set up the music time.  But when I hit the corner it is time to run.   The first few steps always seem to be a struggle but by the end of the first short block, I’m committed.  About the middle of the second block I become aware that I have two speeds.  Speed 1, which is where I start, is just enough to be running.  It is just past the crossover point between walking fast and really running.  So each morning in middle of block 2, while I’m feeling good about being my running, I know that I could be going at speed 2.  With a little more effort I can move into another gear.   Now in the interest of full disclosure, my faster is not fast by any means.  But it does knock significant time off my total run.

Every morning I face the choice, speed 1 or speed 2.  Most days, I choose speed 2 which seems like hard work for a few blocks.  However,  if I keep on expending the effort by the end the first mile the extra effort seems normal.  My body and my mind have adjusted to the increased pace and I no longer have to push.  After that I can run at that faster speed for the next three miles with minimal effort.

Many areas of life can be lived in two speeds.   There is the “just do enough to keep moving” speed and the “let’s get something important done” speed.  And like running, when you first decide to shift gears and move beyond just enough it always seems tough.  Keep at it for a while and the extra effort becomes the new normal.  And then one day you look around and say, “How did I ever get so far?” 

Anything you want to shift speeds on?  Let me know if the comments field.

Bruce