We're all in different stages of our running paths.
I
remember when I ran in high school, how tough it seemed for the slower
kids to run. I specifically remember the thought coming to mind that
these were the real tough runners - it's easy to run when you can run
fast, always getting faster, pushing it everyday because you had
teammates that were counting on you and competitors you wanted to beat;
it would be much harder to be a runner who was relatively slow, wasn't
near the top of the pack, didn't have the motivation of competition
I think that was a rather insightful thought for a teenager.
Well,
now I'm in that second category, although I don't think I even qualify
for that. I could have many excuses - landlocked neighborhood makes for
boring runs, fairly intensive travel for work -
After I
got married, I remember talking to an old high school running buddy of
mine who continues to run....I think. He talks the talk, anyway. I told
him that my running had gone way down to practically non-existent after
being married, and he said that in his relationship, he just made sure
that his partner knew that this was a priority to him and he did not
want to give it up, and yes that means she will have to find other
things to do while he goes out for two hours on Saturday to do a long
run. And that's okay, that's his choice to make.
And it's
my choice to make. I'd rather spend time with my cute wife, play with my
adorable daughters, volunteer for my church - from my perspective, and
in the season of my life where I'm in, those things will last longer and
are more important than all the many good benefits of running longer
and harder.
So this is where I am. I can fit some runs in -
I like the social aspect of being able to talk about runs, especially
with my family. I like the feeling knowing that I exercised this
morning. I think I'm more productive when I run in the morning (although
it's a slow week at work...but I'm being productive writing a running
blog, right? It's important to keep a record of what you do/think).
I'd
imagine most people on the Loop take running a little more seriously
than I am right now. At least, if you're actively posting/commenting on a
running website, that's what I would assume (I'm normally on here to
snoop on my Dad.) But that's cool. I'm confident that we can all learn
from each other.
Oh, I ran 2 miles in the neighborhood again today. Same 8 minute pace....I think. It felt easier than yesterday.
.
