Running and Thinking

I realized somehow that it had been almost two weeks since my last post – how could that be?  Where did the time go?  If I were to write on two relevant topics it would be around getting into a routine, thinking time, and new company adaptation.  I finally got in a long run today – 11 miles around the lake and through a new area (for me) the Bridal Trails Park in Redmond/Kirkland.  Brilliant sunshine, tall trees and shade and then emerging into the view of Lake Washington, the Olympic Mountains in the distance and what seemed to be the entire population of Seattle out on the streets enjoying another warm, perfect day.  Awe-inspiring to say the least.

I’ve been thinking about how hard it is to get into a routine when in a new city and a new job and all the day to day demands that it brings.  In Petaluma, the gym was about a mile from work and from home (and in-between) and I seemed to find time most days for gym and on the weekends for long-runs.  Here, the gym is a few miles out of the way and takes more effort to get there, park, change and navigate in a massive place of 30,000 members, but none of that is a great excuse.  But tomorrow, I’m intending to get there and do some body work.

I definitely need a goal (marathon or mountain) to work towards.  I also bought a digital scale today (my other one is at the Petaluma house).   (The lady said that only “people like you [thin - she meant] actually buy scales so that was funny).  I did not like the numbers at all and think it was a reflection of stress-eating and lack of enough exercise, an occasional marathon or half or long-run don’t get things going enough on a daily basis.

People at Microsoft talk about a work-life balance which I have yet to find.  The intensity at work and the number of projects and initiatives that I have taken on is huge and every day I go into the office inspired and with big plans for the day.  And every day I wonder if I used my time in the best way and if I’m trying to do too much too early.

I have a great team to work with and dedicated people all around who have done big things – some for many years – and the big balance is to be both humble and self-confident, listen and action oriented.  I honestly think that the things I have decided to drive (with lots of help and advice) are the right things and are all integrated and cohesive with team and group goals.

Which leads back to the intent of this post – the importance of long-runs to think through the work-life balance, what to focus on, and keeping grounded in the moment and the day.  For me anyway, it makes  a big difference, and I was able to come home motivated and driven and to move the right things along today in advance of Europe trip starting tomorrow.