Take the Gun, Leave the Cannoli – 37 Days Left

Or was it the other way around? Can’t Remember.

The dichotomy continues. I am caught between a driven mindset (Tyler) and what I am comfortable with. Today I woke up early, and got started on my normal routine. I felt fatigued, legs hurt, arms hurt, soul hurt. I went back to sleep after awhile. 30 minutes later, Tyler woke me up.

I gingerly put on my running outfit, laced up the shoes, and went out the door. I walked for a ways initially. I had to get some blood flowing, the lactic acid build up from the day before was still hurting me. Tyler was not having it. We got to the point where I committed to start and something interesting happened. Tyler was about to completely take over. In fact, he saw this woman running toward us. The plan was to let her pass then we would catch up and blow past her with speed and fury. Tyler was getting all ready for this new conquest – when the women stopped and said hi. She was being nice to us! Arrrgh. That is not how it is supposed to go!

Anyway, we ran on for a while. Eventually this woman fell off and turned around. I had to keep going. Tyler took over and we were heading to the hardest, hilliest area, toward the wine country of Temecula. Beautiful and Brutal all at the same time. Instead of running around this hilly area like I usually do, this morning I ran straight through. Up and down for several miles. I kept pushing for 10 miles and then turned around and came back the other way. Already in pain from previous days, by the time I got done today I was really feeling it.

I stopped and took a picture at one point. The scenery was amazing, and the area had a quaint feel. Next to me was a patch of golden poppies and a bunch of thistles all growing together. Guy liked the poppies. Tyler liked the thistles. Guy takes the Cannolis and Tyler takes the gun.

The path I started is accelerating, I am pushing myself harder then I have ever done before. Along the way I am discovering new wonders, a sort of new beauty about life. Learning how to overcome self, to conceive of something and then achieve it. Finding meaning and purpose at the top of higher peaks and in lower valleys.

Makes me wonder what other areas of my life that I have fallen short and not pursued greater heights because I gave up too early. I have always heard athletes say these amazing things about accomplishments, seeking a higher purpose. I always thought, it just a game of football, seriously?

But I think I understand now. This is not a feeling reserved for the accomplished athlete, it is for anyone that pushes the limit in any aspect of their life. Not push the limit, run past it, grinning like a maniac!

Guy Reams

365 Member

37 Days Left

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