I’m becoming a runner. Yes, you read that right. Me – running – voluntarily and with joy - after years of scorning those light-footed, vegan-looking folk for their masochistic self-righteousness. No, fanged and famished creatures are not chasing me. I’ll give you a moment to check the temperature in Hades.
My reasons are legion and most are self-evident. I won’t bore you with the ramblings of yet another aspiring middle-aged runner. That said, I should mention that my wife started ahead of me and I can’t let her beat me, nor make her suffer through my early death due to the unmitigated effects of beer and Netflix. That latter point’s just as important I’m also starting to feel the wear and tear of my (ill-spent) 36 years and want to rediscover the immense satisfaction and wonder at knowing the capabilities and limits of one’s own body. Competitive swimming tore up my shoulder, AND requires access to a pool. With running all I need are shoes and a path. As such I’m off and running…and sweating…and learning the intricate details of my local track and surrounding parkland. The various plaques, best spots to stretch or stash a water bottle, and under which bushes I’m likely to see a homeless person emerge from. Fun stuff.
I should also mention that 2010 will be the 2,500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, and I just can’t let a good anniversary go uncelebrated. With 26 mile-long street parties all over the world, such an event can’t be ignored!
My reasons are legion and most are self-evident. I won’t bore you with the ramblings of yet another aspiring middle-aged runner. That said, I should mention that my wife started ahead of me and I can’t let her beat me, nor make her suffer through my early death due to the unmitigated effects of beer and Netflix. That latter point’s just as important I’m also starting to feel the wear and tear of my (ill-spent) 36 years and want to rediscover the immense satisfaction and wonder at knowing the capabilities and limits of one’s own body. Competitive swimming tore up my shoulder, AND requires access to a pool. With running all I need are shoes and a path. As such I’m off and running…and sweating…and learning the intricate details of my local track and surrounding parkland. The various plaques, best spots to stretch or stash a water bottle, and under which bushes I’m likely to see a homeless person emerge from. Fun stuff.
I should also mention that 2010 will be the 2,500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, and I just can’t let a good anniversary go uncelebrated. With 26 mile-long street parties all over the world, such an event can’t be ignored!
