Getting ready for a run at my house is a long process.
First I put on running shorts, then a sports bra. Then a loose shirt overtop. Then I settle in to do something else. Like work. Or read. Clean. Eat. Or whatever. I eventually will then change into a running tank or shirt. And go back to whatever else I was working on.
Then I add socks and shoes.
Then later, headphones and iPhone.
Then I make sure I haven’t eaten recently. If I have, I have to wait a while.
So today for example, I started getting ready for a run at 7:30 am and came back to the house at 3:45 pm. You see – I have to mentally prepare myself to go outside and make my lungs hurt.
There is a process, people, and you’ve got to follow it.
Today, when I finally got out, I ran through Strathcona and I ran by the Hendrix house – which is a protected historic house that was owned by Jimi Hendrix’ grandparents. No, it is not a historic house because of Jimi Hendrix, but instead because his grandparents established part of the vaudeville scene long before Jimi was born or he even thought about playing a guitar.
I eked out 4.8 kilometres and came back to the building red-faced, sweating and feeling somewhat accomplished that my long preparation resulted in an actual run. (you can imagine that such a long process can often be thwarted by opposing forces). As I got back to the elevators, I was wondering why I hadn’t found the strength to go the last 200 metres when I ran into the same guy I rode down with when I left.
He congratulated me on my “long run”. I insisted it was not long, but rather slow instead. He told me he used to run ultra marathons – I then understood that I was dealing with a crazy person so I used my calm voice. I again stated that my accomplishment was paltry today, but he wouldn’t hear of it.
“You’re building and that’s all that matters”.
September 2nd, 2013 Extra-Ordinary: Fresh view from a stranger on the elevator.
The Daily EO 