My friend DV contacted me the other day.  She’s friend, yogi, new runner, and health columnist for the Tampa newspaper.  She wanted to pick my brain a bit…column, yoga, injury, philosophy, how I put it all together.  A heavy sigh came forth as I listened to her voice message and read her email.  I slowly dialed her number but hesitated to speak when she picked up the phone.  It seemed as if there were going to be too many words out my mouth, and not enough words that meant anything.  “Come in”, I said.  “Let me have you feel the process.  I think it will make more sense.”

I have rules about interviews.  Breathe before you speak.  Go slowly.  Speak in complete and meaningful sentences as if everything out of my mouth has to be a perfect soundbite.  When DV came in, I just forgot about the rules.  Her photographer buzzed around, and I ignored him, too.  I did what I do, figuring out what worked best as we went along.  Plopped her in front of the mirror and pointed out a few flaws.  Found some things she thought she owned and told her they were temporary conditions.  Moved her to a yoga mat.  Gave her some running drills.  Showed her how the yoga and the moves would help her running, her yoga, and her overall form.  Had her exercise on the Gravity, and then made some adjustments in her running form. 

And 24 hourse later in came the panic.  I started to remember all the dopey little things I say to people…her included.  How do I get my shoulders from riding up to my ears?  “Pull them down into place.”  Mean, they’ll stay there?  “If you hold them there they will.”  How do you know that is swollen and not fat?  “Because fat doesn’t hurt like thiiiisss when you pinch it.”  Won’t it look like I’m sticking my chest out if I stand up straight?   “Yes, because you’re sticking your chest out.”  Won’t people laugh at me?  “They laugh at you now.”  I don’t want people to think I’m sticking out my boobs.  “Then why did you buy such big ones?  You get the picture. 

Here’s hoping she uses something I said or did in her article.  Can’t ask for better publicity than helping someone!  Here’s hoping she doesn’t feel the need to quote some Gump-like saying or use a photo of my backside.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Please. 

I’ll keep you posted.  In the meantime, run because you feel like it.