The 365 Commitment

Chicken

Mile 18. Thump. Thump. Thump. Breathe In. Breathe Out. The runner looked down at the pavement passing beneath his feet. The discarded plastic bottle cap was interesting. “I should stop and look at that for a few moment and take a break,” he thought. No, that was silly. He was not going to stop. Thump. Thump. Thump. He looked up, needed to keep an eye on the oncoming traffic. You never know when a distracted driver could swerve just enough to clip you with a side mirror. Geez, the tires on that Jeep was loud. Thump. Thump. Thump. Pace is getting slower, need to pick it up. Hips hurt a little now, alright moving my legs faster. Thum, Thum, Thum, Thum. Heart rate is back up. Pace is improving. The sun is coming up now. The first rays of the day casting long shadows from the sage brush along the side of the road. Head up. Back straight. Thum, Thum, Thum, Thum. Good rhythm now. The bridge over that culvert just up ahead. Mile 19. Thinking of the time that a stop was needed last time that required a quick pee behind that set of bushes over there. Another sip of water. Not going to stop this time. Thum, Thum, Thum, Thum. Coming to the bridge now, that cyclist seems to be coming fast. His head down, does he see?

Mile 90. Need to fix that peddle, it makes that annoying clicking sound on every revolution. Flick. Flick. Flick. Flick. Flick. Sun is coming up. Love this time of morning. Downhill, cranking fast. Those diesel trucks push a lot of air, do they have to get so damn close? Looking down now. Tires just outside the white stripe. Steady. Flick. Flick. Flick. Flick. Grabbing a water bottle. Squirting a little in my mouth. Not sure about that Fruit Punch electrolyte flavor. Need to clean the bottle better this time. Took to long getting out the door this morning. Need a routine in the evening to make sure everything is ready. Easier to just get up and go. Mile 91. Flick. Flick. Flick. Here comes the culvert, need to be careful. The transition from asphalt to concrete always is a little rough. Oh, there is a runner up ahead. He is getting to the culvert now. Truck passing on the right. This is going to be tight. I am not slowing down. Need to keep my pace up.

Stupid mechanical pony rider, he is going to have to move over a little. No room here. Right up against the side railing. Not going to stop. Setting jaw now. Picking up pace. Thu, Thu, Thu, Thu, Thu. Fingers spread out. Arms pumping strong.

Hope this idiot in the red shoes does not move to his right any. This is going to be tight. Gripping handles tight. Lowering head. Truck passing. Wind rushing quickly. Flick. Flick. Flick. Flick. Flick.

Eye contact. Head nod. Finger raised slightly on handle bar. Right arm in a half salute. Til’ next Saturday.

Guy Reams

Subscribe

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Share the Post:

Recent Blogs

Day 308 – Speed is The Champion

This article explores the concept that speed often leads to success in various fields, from business to technology and sports. It argues that systems capable of rapid action, feedback, and adjustment tend to outperform those focused on avoiding errors. The author highlights the importance of fast feedback loops, citing John Boyd’s OODA loop and its application in AI systems. The piece also discusses the speed-accuracy tradeoff, noting that while speed can lead to more mistakes, these are often recoverable, and the compounding effect of rapid learning ultimately drives better results.

Day 307 – Iterative Could be Insufficient

This article explores the contrast between iterative and linear thinking, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. It argues that while iterative thinking is beneficial in many fields, it can sometimes be an excuse for insufficient upfront planning, and proposes a hybrid approach for more robust decision-making.

Day 306 – The Zeigarnik Effect

The article explores the psychological relief gained from writing down unfinished tasks and concerns, linking it to the Zeigarnik Effect. It explains how externalizing thoughts through writing can free the mind from constantly remembering and worrying about unresolved issues, allowing for greater mental peace and the ability to conclude the day effectively.

Day 305 – The Treasure He Never Found

A young man spends his life chasing riches, fame, and glory, only to find repeated failures. In his old age, surrounded by his loving family, he realizes that the true treasure he sought was not in external achievements but in the relationships and character he built along the way.

0

Would love your thoughts, please comment.x

()