Why running is like writing - an IWSG post

This post is part of the Insecure Writers Support Group. A great place for sharing all those insecurities we writers have, and for offering advice and support for our fellows. To join in head over to Alex J Cavanaugh's blog, you can check out what other people are posting about and sign up yourself too. Enjoy!

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Before I get to my post for today, I need to tell you that this installment is part of the 2 year anniversary of IWSG! It has been two wonderful years since the Ninja Captain gave this group to the world, and to celebrate he has a special announcement.

Make sure you head on over to check it out - once you've read my post of course!

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Yesterday I went running for the first time in a year. I was a bit nervous about going, seeing as it had been so long, and although I've done other kinds of exercise in the last year I was concerned whether I'd make it all the way round our route in one go.

Two of us went, and both had concerns about our stamina and had suggested stopping for a few minutes at the half way point. When we got there though we both kept going, worrying that if we stopped we wouldn't be able to start again. I knew if he'd stopped I would have too, and vice versa, but we both kept going and managed to get round in one.

We'd spurred each other on and kept the momentum going until we finished, and both felt good that we'd achieved something like that after so long a break.

I find that writing is like this. It's easy to put it off every now and again, but when that couple of days starts to stretch into weeks of inactivity I find it hard to pick it up again. 
My running buddy is also a writing buddy, and we have been working on a writing project for about two years. We've both had breaks from it now and again, but we alternate with the enthusiasm.

When I feel despondent about it he is usually in the middle of something exciting, and when he's talking to me about his ideas and works it gives me that push to get on with something too. And it works both ways.

We each give the other the boost to keep going, even when we feel like we can't, just as we do when we go running.

I know writing can be a very solitary activity, but it certainly pays to have some encouragement and someone to talk through ideas and problems with. I have that both in person and in the bloggy community with all you lovely guys, and I wouldn't give any of you up for anything.

Thanks you guys for all your help, both in the past and I'm sure in the future.

Have you got your writing buddies that keep you going through thick and thin? 

Have you checked out Alex's big announcement?

Happy IWSG Day!

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