Can You Read My Mind?

Yesterday I was pretty worn out. I think the big marathon weekend finally caught up with me, plus I caught a little cold. Sheesh. First food poisoning (the stomach issue on Monday), then a very runny nose and sore throat. I'm not even close to TOTM, but I was pretty emotional yesterday. The marathon website posted video footage of everyone running through the finish line, and I found my husband running through and several of our friends. I don't know why, but I got all choked up about it, I guess because I'm really happy for them, and partially because it couldn't be me at that point. I was sort of feeling sorry for myself that it wasn't me running through the finish, and a little bit angry about the injury. I was OK with everything until I saw that footage yesterday. I guess I can chalk it up to being exhausted because I even got misty over TV commercials... Today is much better.

The July 2008 issue of Runner's World Magazine came in the mail today, and that particular issue was as if it were just for me. Not only was there a great cover shot of former pro volleyball player Evan Hook, there was an article about "natural remedies for common aches and pains," by Betsy Noxon. The section of the article that really caught my eye had to do with imagery.

"The PROMISE: By visualizing a positive scene, you calm your mind -- and your body. 'When your mind is relaxed, your muscles hold less tension, which means you're less likely to feel pain,' says Jefrey Greeson, PhD., psychologist with Duke Integrative Medicine Clinic at Duke University Medical Center. 'Imagery can also help healing since stress increases levels of cortisol, which can slow injury repair.'

THE SCIENCE: Research published in the Journal of Sports Sciences indicates that when athletes pictured themselves as healthy or imagined themselves dealing with pain, they enhanced their recovery rate. Another study offers evidence that positive thinking can speed blister healing.

WHO SHOULD TRY IT: Some studies have had participants picture broken bones being glued together, torn muscle fibers reattaching, or cells regenerating. Visualization can also help you deal with temporary discomfort -- like the final mile of a race. Imagine the pain leaving your body when you exhale or picture yourself smiling at the finish line."

I guess imagery all boils down to the power of positive thinking, which is what I've been trying to do since I ended up in the ER, almost three weeks go. I never thought of the image of the bone healing and being stronger. I suppose it's worth a try. I'm trying NOT to take the prescription pain medications, since they mess with my sleep patterns, and have been taking regular Tylenol instead, per the doctor's instructions, and I hope I won't be needing the Tylenol much longer, either. I'm really hoping to put mind over matter to RELAX and HEAL. The article also discussed acupuncture, sports massage, herbal remedies, and chiropractic treatment.

Also in the July issue was an article on music: "Music & Motivation - Why Tunes Make You Faster plus The Best Running Songs of All Times." This article is so right up my alley. I'm still going over the article and, perhaps, I'll put in my two cents about it later, in another blog post.

Yesterday's song:
Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson - Barbie2be

PEACE