There are very few things in this world that I would say I have a grasp on.
I cannot build houses or fix things that go wrong in a home. I do not know how to change the oil in my car. My friends joke about how practically useless I am. I cannot play the Stock Market like Gordon Gekko.
There are a couple of things, however, that I think I know at least a little bit about: Writing and running.
As long as I can remember, language and writing have always come somewhat natural; and so has long distance running. I do not claim to a professional at either, but both are important to me; and both facilitate great personal meaning and discovery.
I’m someone who enjoys expressing himself in words. It’s cathartic. And as far back as first grade when my elementary school did our “One Mile Run” competition, I knew I loved running. That only increased into junior high and high school. Though a skiing accident forced my running to take a detour, running is always something I’ve loved—inexplicably. Pounding the pavement for many miles and hours is somehow, like writing, cathartic. When my running cadence and my heart rate sync up at the optimal point, it is in that moment where I am transfixed by how our bodies and minds can find refreshment amidst exhaustion and monotony.
A (very) early morning 20 mile run
So, what does this mean—a passion for writing and running?
It means I want to carve out a little online space on this site to write about running. At one point, I assembled a chapter outline for a book on running and Christian discipleship, so I’ll rehash some of that material here. It is fascinating to me that many metaphors for the Christian life are communicated using endurance and running metaphors.
But I’ll also get practical for the *tens* of people who are running enthusiasts—the gear I use and why; how I brace for warm or cold weather; tips I’ve honed that have worked for me and maybe for you if you are considering taking up the running grind.
On here, I’ll talk about what I am training for and how said training is going. I’ll write about why it is I enjoy running. I’ll explore how running has shaped me, from my childhood, from its absence, to its return. I’ll write about why, in my thirties, its integration in my life is far more than a hobby and more of a way of living. I’ll post some pictures of my runs and maybe a description of particular runs. I consider anything related to running fair game.
I do not intend for my posts on running—conveniently on the “running” tab of this site—to be long, technical, or God forbid, self-congratulatory. I’ve had my failures and falls, like anyone whose dared to run. This is simply about novelty and enjoyment.