If there's more, I want it. There it is, my approach to running and entertainment and work and love, wrapped up in six little words. The six-word memoir is one of my favorite writing exercises. Inspired by Hemingway's legendary short story "For sale: baby shoes, never worn," six-word stories force the writer to focus on … Continue reading Trust the Process
Tag: running
Up and Over
Hills demand respect. The hill won't budge, and it won't change its incline. The hill doesn't care that it's hard. It doesn't care that you're tired. The hill was here first. If you decide to climb, the change needs to come from you. I've been running hills more regularly recently, and they are completely kicking my … Continue reading Up and Over
No Alarms. No Surprises.
No. I'll pass. Thanks, but no thanks. If you were planning on inviting me to try that new restaurant, or join you at a new weightlifting class, or taste this delicious new recipe you invented, the answer is no. The marathon is next weekend, and I'm taking no risks. I'm as boring and predictable as … Continue reading No Alarms. No Surprises.
Mixing It Up
Racing is made up of lines -- starting lines, finish lines, point-to-point courses. But training for a marathon is anything but linear. Four weeks ago I completed a half marathon. Logically speaking, this means I'm halfway there for marathon training, right? Wrong. While it may have been tempting to use the 13.1 mile race as a launchpad … Continue reading Mixing It Up
Cheering Section
Being sore after a race is expected. Aches? Blisters? They're about as mandatory and medals and free t-shirts. Today I achieved a first -- I managed to leave a race sore without even running. My throat hurts from cheering. My hands hurt from clapping. My cheeks hurt from smiling. A loved one completed a community 10k, and I was completely swept … Continue reading Cheering Section
I Am the Tortoise
Everyone loves a fast runner. We give them medals. We give them money. We buy magazines to read interviews with Usain Bolt or Kara Goucher. Aesop taught us that slow and steady wins the race, but all evidence points to the contrary.But that doesn't mean that only the fast are welcome. Running is open to … Continue reading I Am the Tortoise
Take Two
I said I wouldn't do another. Training was brutal, and once was enough. I lost sleep. I lost toenails. I lost touch with friends. For half a year, I did nothing but work, eat, and run. Completing the 2011 Twin Cities Marathon ranks among my proudest moments, but it came at a cost. So I thought … Continue reading Take Two
Friendly Reminder: Be Nice
If you've participated in any type of community race, you've run amongst tutus. They're everywhere. They're silly, they're festive, they mask imperfect butts and thighs. A little childish? Sure. A bit stupid? Perhaps. But deserving of nationwide ridicule? Of course not. A good reason to mock someone who has cancer and runs a nonprofit? Hellllllllll no. … Continue reading Friendly Reminder: Be Nice
Racing the Hare 