Running and Writing

My hobbies include: running, running my boys to practices, running out of ink on my printer. Being a runner for the past two decades has defined who I am. I run three miles each morning, six days a week for the pure love of running. So many of my friends tell me they hate running. I live for the solace, the adventure, the adrenaline pumping the stress out of my body. What 's not to love?

My father was/is a runner. When I was a young child, I remember my dad running out the door for his afternoon run. I used to follow him on my bike--all three miles--until he left me in the dust. Little did I know, my track star dad's love of running would wear off on me. Now, my two teenage sons are becoming runners. My oldest son loves to play football and soccer, but lately, he's been running with the track team at school and he's not even on the track team.

It never fails when I'm in the middle of my morning run, my mind a million miles away from my writing, an idea strikes me or the perfect word hits me over the head. Running and writing are similiar in nature. Running involves patience. Three miles is still three miles, even if you run faster. Running involves endurance. You may not see results right away, but you will eventually. Running involves self-motivation. No one is going to run for you!

Nikes are my choice of running shoe. With running and writing, you have to just do it. Don't be afraid to take the first step. You have to start somewhere.