Practicing

Today in WISE, we read a short article about practicing that really relates to many WISE projects.  I had trouble finding the connection it has to my own.  It says that ""Playing" and "Practicing" are rarely synonymous."  I still don't know much about running and the proper way to conduct myself as I run, the exact foods I should eat and how to pace myself.  It was hard for me to see the difference between playing and practicing in that sense. 

When Ms. G related this to ballet, I finally got it.  That is exactly the way crew is, and I'm so used to it that maybe I saw past the connections it has in my own life.  At practice, we spend about half the time working on technique.  No one has a perfect rowing stroke, and there is always room to improve.  We practice, practice, practice, and then "play" when we do pieces. 

So, in regards to running, part of my practicing will be the mindset.  I hope to go to more yoga classes, and practice getting into my head in that way, in hopes that it translates over to running.  
I will research some on proper running technique because as of right now I just do my thing (unsure of whether or not I am running "correctly").

The article also talks about getting out of your comfort zone, which is an interesting concept for my project.  Because it is a physical project, and depends so much on my body, it is easier for me to do that while "playing" and "practicing" (my hands on work).  I can go the extra mile, and push myself to run a little bit faster.  I can choose the apple instead of the crackers and the ab circuit instead of watching Gossip Girl.  But that is mostly all within my own head, and so going out of my comfort zone will also be me reaching out the community members whom I haven't or hadn't previously met.  I will be doing this for the interviews I conduct in which I ask runners about their experiences and recommendations.

Well, today is my off day so I will focus on working through the "gleaning" assignment I have and other research I can do!