Sarah and I were outside by 6 this AM to take our dog Dakota for a walk before it got too hot. It was already hot and humid with the temperature being in the upper 70″s. Out west the clouds were moving in, it was lightning, and we cut the walk short, not because of the heat and humidity, but we thought we were going to get dumped on. It did rain by 6:30 but was short lived. Our run club meets at 7AM, and we did not know how many of us would show up. As you can see, we had a great turnout. What makes our run club unique? We show up for each other. When the conditions outside scream “stay in bed”, and your body wants to politely agree, but your heart pulls you toward movement. Maybe it’s habit. Maybe it’s discipline. Maybe it’s something deeper: a commitment to show up for yourself…and for each other.
We didn’t break any records here today. We moved through the motion that keeps us grounded…part sweat, part sanity. I’ve learned that striving isn’t glamorous. It’s often messy. It means bending, not breaking. And knowing that your pace might be slower this season, but it’s still yours to set. Tom and I have been running partners now for over 28 years, The shirt he wore today is the last one he will be wearing for awhile.
Here is more of a close up of his shirt…
“All men are created equal, but the best can still go running in their sixties.” Tom will turn 70 next month and is still out their putting in the miles. Running isn’t always about comfort. It’s about showing up. We strive not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it! See you on many more runs Tom. The only training partner I have had for a longer time than with Tom…
…my Sarah. Through thick and thicker. Good weather and bad. In sickness and in health. Running partners are just like marriage…our vows sound similar to this. Always there…always will be…because it’s worth it! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of newest streak: # 480