The other night when I was running a loop around the neighborhood, I came upon a man who was running in my opposite direction. In passing, we somehow managed to defy the chasm of space that should have existed between two runners on the vast sidewalk and grazed pinkies. GRAZED PINKIES. I was so perplexed at what just happened that for what seemed like an eternity (but was probably only 0.000001 of a second), I debated on what to do in a situation like that. Do I turn around and apologize? Shouldn't I somehow recognize that we touched and that it was awkward? Do I really just keep running after something this? How did our pinkies brush against each other? Was my hand flailing that far out from my body? Maybe he was the awkward long-armed runner that invaded my space. As my mind pondered, my legs propelled forward, not even acknowledging that one of my phalanges had just gone through something so traumatic. All I could think of for the rest of my run was I hope we don't cross paths again as I loop back around. That would be an awkward reunion... The end.
Actually, no, not the end. I hate running. Absolutely despise it. And my body does, too [see
this instagram caption]. It was not made for running. But when I was pregnant with Warner, I read this book,
Born to Run, and it was uhhhmazing. Totally inspiring and made me believe that I was born to run, despite my inability to look like a human being while doing so. So I've been running 15 miles a week for the past month. Still can't say I love running, but I love the alone quiet time I get, and that's good enough for me. Now the end.
Every Mom of multiple children that I know has accepted running as their outlet at one point or another. It is just too convenient, too inexpensive, and too good for the mental health to ignore. Best of luck friend! .
ReplyDeletehahaha how funny! i feel like awkward things like that always happen to me too. i really REALLY want to like running, but so far i don't. maybe i will give that book a try! :)
ReplyDeleteI hated to run until this year, when I finally got the guts to complete my life goal of running the marathon. Never mind that I had never run more than 4 miles at at a time before this goal happened (and that I despised running)--I was determined to do it. And so I did. And even though there were a lot of days I really didn't enjoy training, I discovered that overall, running made me a better person. It helped me get through student teaching, through the craziness of finding a teaching job, and it helped me appreciate my body for the strength that it has. So good for you for making yourself run!
ReplyDeleteAnd the pinky story was hilarious, btw :)
http://autodidacticambitions.blogspot.com
ok, that's seriously weirdness...would have definitely freaked me out!
ReplyDelete& while I hate running, I can appreciate those who do it for the silence and or the stillness...but I think for now I'll stick to the loud crazy music I get to listen to at Zumba class!
What are the chances! I'm with you, I strongly dislike running. But it is inspiring that you still do it anyways! I am in love with hot yoga. Not only does it supposedly burns tons of calories, but I love how relaxed I feel afterwards. Have you tried hot yoga?
ReplyDeletethehartungs.blogspot.ca
First, your post had me giggling. WHAT DOES ONE DO UPON PINKY-GRAZING A STRANGER WHILE RUNNING? Or rather, was HE pondering the incident with as much perplexity as yourself? Then your post had be laughing because you said phalanges. Yes, it is a real, and apt, word. However, all I can think of is FRIENDS - so commence the laughing. And THEN, then after all the giggling and laughing you have me contemplating running. Of course, instead, I convince myself that the giggles and laughing has worked out my abs sufficiently and I can go eat some ice cream instead of get into running.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what I'd do if I grazed pinkies with another runner. I'm at the point where I hate running, but I love running while I'm doing it and immediately after. But the other 22 hours of the day - we're mortal enemies. I'll definitely have to check out that book though.
ReplyDeletevery interesting and strange story! Kinda funny, I probably would have done the same thing as you. When I was running for a solid year I hated it at first, but once you get into races, even little ones, its a lot more fun : ) kudos to you for keeping it up!
ReplyDeleteI'd really like to read that book. Do you think it might give me motivation to START running? :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy running. It helps me clear my head and the stresses from the day seem to just slip away. I think I might check out the book you mentioned. Is is a mommy to be book, or just you normal read??
ReplyDeleteHAHA! I would've FREAKED out over the pinky graze.
ReplyDeleteI despise running with my whole being, yet I'm trying really hard to keep at it. I've heard good things about that book! Maybe if I read it that will help me keep going :)
Do you listen to music while you run? If so, anything you really particularly like? I'm ALWAYS trying to find new music to run to! Running is so boring to me- and I get tired of the same songs! Thanks!
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