Entries from May 2008 ↓

It’s true. I’m not a fast runner, and I’ve never been much of a distance runner. Even at the height of my running, I was quite slow. Dedicated. But slow.

Does this mean–gulp–I’m really not much of a runner?

My answer to that question is a resounding NO. I was once much faster than I am now, and I believe I will slowly pick up speed. My tentative goal is to run a half-marathon and–while I am far from ready to do so now–I believe it can and will happen.

That is, with a bit of preparation.

However, I will never be the fastest

And I’m okay with that.

Too often the impression is given that the primary goal of running is to race, to compete with others. While I do enjoy this aspect of running, I much prefer competing with myself.

I may never beat the fastest man or woman in the world. But I can always push myself to run harder, faster, and farther.

But Why Run if You Can’t Win?

I’ll spare you the philosophical “because it’s there” argument and just say because I like it. I like pushing my mind and body to the extreme. I like being in shape. I like the sweat and tears.

And the blood, of course. Don’t forget about the blood!

Moral of the Running Story

It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you go, as long as you work hard, making a point to consistently push yourself. This applies to running, but I believe it applies to many other aspects of life as well.

*For the record, the 2nd lap was not much easier.

The problem with this morning’s run was not that I didn’t want to do it. Oh no. Quite the opposite to tell the truth. The problem was…

My Running Expectations Were Too High

I woke up this morning sure I was going to run a marathon. Never mind that I hadn’t been running in several months. Forget that I’d never ran more than, oh, say, six miles. Forget that I’ve never been the fastest, most agile runner. Forget it.

It was a new morning. I was a new runner. I mean, c’mon, I have a website now. That’s dedication.

And then I ran.

And ran. And jogged. And then I collapsed on the ground like that poor narcoleptic YouTube dog. It was a sad sight, my friends. A sad sight.

But it doesn’t matter. The point is that I did it, right? I wish I could tell you how far I went, how fast (or slow) I was going, but I don’t know.

I didn’t keep track. Which is probably a good thing for, you know, my self-esteem. But the point is not this.

The point is that the 1st lap may be tough.

But the second can only get easier, right?