Dedication

Bob

I had a thought yesterday and I'm going to see if I can put it into words.  Basically, runners are pretty awesome.  I'm going to include myself in that, because I am a runner.  I'm talking about the dedication it takes to get up day after day and get out there and do it.  This can apply to anything in life that is hard.  Life is hard.  To fight the fight, whatever it is, everyday and keep going.  To drag your ass out of bed and do what needs to be done, even if you don't want to.  Again, this applies to life, work, hardships...whatever, but right now I'm talking about running.  It is winter now.  The weather is cold.  The ground is snowy, icy and in spots somewhat treacherous.  Staying home and in bed or on the couch, nice and warm is so appealing.  Sometimes you really don't even feel very good.  Sick, sore, semi-injured, but you get up and get dressed and get out.  That is step one.  Step two is getting out of the nice and warm car.  You wonder how you can make it through whatever amount of miles you need to do that day.  You can stay in the car, turn around and go to Dunkin Donuts.  But you don't.  You get out of the car and into the cold.  Say a few words to your friends and then you all hit the road.  At first it is to get the blood flowing and to warm up.  Then a weird thing happens.  You're not really cold anymore.  The muscles loosen up, the movement makes you warm, even hot sometimes in 20 degree weather.  I, personally, have become a cold weather runner.  I'm the guy that would love to live in 80 degree weather all year round.  But, I'm okay with running in the cold.  Depending on what you are training for, the miles could be anywhere from a couple to 18 or 20.  People are always training for something.  I was running with a friend today and she was saying how she had to schedule 16 to 18 mile runs in the near future.  Mostly by herself.  It reminded me of how hard it is to motivate yourself to do those kinds of miles, but you have to do it if you are going to make it through the event.  It is not the event itself, it is the training leading up to it that is monumental.  Miss a few long runs or a week or two here and there, and you are kind of screwed.  At least to achieve the times you want to achieve.  I know she will do it.  So will my other friends.  They set a goal and they go do it.  I feed off their energy.  I am basically kind of lazy, but I have goals and I know they can't be met sitting on my ass.  My friends will tell me to get off my ass, and get me out and push me.  I appreciate that, and I'm a guy that hates to be told what to do.  I have to have respect for the person and they need to put their money where their mouth is for me to listen.  They do.  This was supposed to be a two or three sentence deal.  Bottom line, this shit ain't easy.  Everyone has their problems.  But we get up and do it.  Time after time.  Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.  That is all.