Long Run Day

Today did not get off to a good start. Thanks to complications with a phone alarm, UPS, and my own forgetfulness, I ended up spending most of the day frantically trying to keep up with my obligations. I’m already feeling a little frayed at the edges; I’ve been running and working a lot, and not sleeping enough.

But today is Thursday, which means Long Run Day in the Turtlerunning world. I went for a slow 15-miler and it cleared my head pretty well. There are few things as purifying as a long, long run. It separates you from the world for an hour (or two, in my case) and links you to a pleasantly uncomplicated level of thinking. For a little while, at least, there is only forward.

And pain, too. Always that.

Why I run

I was out on a run recently when I happened to pass by an older woman on the sidewalk. She was cheery, walking with her small child. She smiled as I drew closer, and waved. “I admire you! I wish I could do that,” she cried over the falling hail.

I gave her a big grin and waved back. It was nice, after all, to hear something from a pedestrian other than “faggot,” or “run forrest!” She gave me a tiny bit of assurance, which I truly appreciated. But there was something in what she said that bothered me.

She suffers from a false impression that I think she shares with most, if not all, of the world. That is, she thinks that she can’t do amazing things. She said could instead of would, which means that in her mind she is unable to run, as oppose to unwilling.

Because what I was doing is something of which any human being with legs is capable. Most people just aren’t willing to make the sacrifices it demands in time and comfort.

And this is where the troublesome word can’t pops up. People would rather be limited than have to realize their potential. That is, this woman would rather believe that she is incapable of getting outside and running than simply unwilling to do it.

And as I continued to run I had an epiphanic moment, where a combination of endorphins and genuine insight left me with a concise summary of the philosophy I’ve been forming over the years. On those long distance runs, in inclement weather, through patches of little rest and great stress, there was one simple truth that had always been there to keep me going. Now I was finally able to put into words:

Most people do not realize just how few limitations are actually imposed on them by the laws of nature- Just how much potential they actually have, once they realize that their perceived limits are artificial.

This is why I run. Because running puts me in touch with this simple truth; My limits are imposed on me by no one but myself.