On Love and Running

Long-distance running, which for me is anything over a few miles, requires stamina, determination, dedication, drive, commitment … and pacing. You don’t want to start with a burst and not be able to finish. You have to save something for that final burst as you approach home. Love is like that, too. When you’re in it for the long haul, you need to pace yourself.

When it comes to running, pacing is no problem for me. I plod along like the proverbial tortoise, or like Clint Eastwood, as I’ve said before. My shortcomings are in my physical capabilities. My aching left knee is a liability. And yet, today, I found my rhythm and I just kept going. I dream of doing that and hitting a new PR for distance. I’d like to do 15 miles. There, I’ve stated a goal in public. That’s a rarity.

The analogy isn’t perfect. And I’ll skew it because I can’t keep anything straight. For example, I’ll jump from running to diving. As in, when it comes to love, I tend to dive in. The ripples on the pond tend to frighten away the native wildlife. Do you see how I’ve twisted that?

My point is, relationships take time. Like distance running, they require stamina, determination, dedication, drive and commitment. And pacing. I’m finally learning that. And finally putting it into practice.

Anyway, that’s just what was running through my head this morning as I ran all over town. No doubt it was because the first three songs to come up on the shuffle were about love. Maybe next time I’ll hit double digits. Wish me well.

Today's Stats (Dec. 3, 2013)

Temp: 38 degrees F

Distance: 8.4 miles

Weekly Total: 8.4 miles

Treasure: No treasure today

iPod Playlist (Shuffle):

If I Fall – Matchbox Twenty

The Fool – Trampled Under Foot

Love Rescue Me (live) – U2

In The Waiting Line – Zero 7

Oooh Baby – C+C Music Factory

Photograph – Def Leppard

No Better Place – Fountains of Wayne

Animal – Neon Trees

Sister Golden Hair – America

Light Up My Room – Barenaked Ladies

I Try – Macy Gray

New Day – Robbie Seay Band

Gulf Road – James McMurtry

The Wanton Song – Led Zeppelin

83 – John Mayer

Grace Like Rain – Todd Agnew

Rain King – Counting Crows

Boom Boom Mancini – Warren Zevon

Fireflies – Owl City

Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles