Recent reads

Recently finished up a few more books.  Born to Run was a great, interesting read about a tribe of super fast runners in Mexico.  The best part of running books for me are the little tidbits that are just "ah ha" moments.  Those things I already know but when put into words it all just clicks.  Or life wisdom compared to running.  

One of my favorite "ah ha" moments in Born to Run was an ultra runner talking about dealing with pain.  She calls it the Beast.  She talks about the Beast saying "I actually look forward to the Beast showing up, because every time he does, I handle him better.  I get him more under control."  The author goes on to talk about how you can't hate the Beast and expect to beat it.  "The only way to truly conquer something, as every great philosopher and geneticist will tell you, is to love it."  

There are many good parts to this book but that is one that stuck out to me.   Also, I should probably try to add some chia seeds to my diet.  

I just finished an audio book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do.  Audio books have replaced my Sirius radio and I take advantage of the Overdrive app to listen to them free from the library.  This was a great book talking in detail about these 13 things that mentally strong people don't do: 

1.  They don't waste time feeling sorry for themselves

2.  They don't give away their power

3.  They don't shy away from change

4.  They don't focus on things they can't control

5.  They don't worry about pleasing everyone

6.  They don't fear taking calculated risks

7.  They don't dwell on the past

8.  They don't make the same mistakes over and over

9.  They don't resent other people's success

10.  They don't give up after the first failure

11.  They don't fear alone time

12.  They don't feel the world owes them anything

13.  They don't expect immediate results  

This was a relatively short audio book and definitely worth the listen.  Great reminders...for me #2, 4 and 5 especially.   

Can't stop reading lately.  Trying to stay off social media for the most part and read as much as possible instead!  Otherwise I've been wrapped up with studying for my licensing at work (2 tests down, 1 more to go) and trying to stay cool while running in the heat.  Spent the day at the pool yesterday after unsuccessfully staying cool while running.  However, still had a good run!  And a good day at the pool...with plenty of sunscreen!