Running thoughts
John Ehntholt
One of the questions non-runners ask me about running is what
I think about while putting in a long run.
I always seem to have great ideas but can't seem to remember them once the
run is over. I usually tell
them how running is just like driving a car. Sure you just drove from one
end of town to the other, but
you really don't remember what happened in the middle of the journey.
On day I was thinking of my father, may he rest in peace.
In my life I've competed in wrestling, football,
karate, track and road racing. My father never saw me do any of them. I remember
I always wondered
if it was sports or me he wasn't interested in. The proudest he ever was of
me is when I got my first
big buck. Let it be known that in my family hunting and fishing were year-round
tasks. It was how I grew
up, how I thought everyone did. Things change, people change. Lately I've
been leaning towards the
"not very interested in it" side of the fence. I had trouble explaining
to my son why we hunt down animals
he classifies as "nice." I guess it got me thinking of things I
took for granted growing up. My son at age
9 teaching me about life and how I should live it.
While running and thinking of this one day, it became clear
to me that I never made a choice about
hunting as I grew up. I wanted to be like my father and brothers, to fit in
and be one of the guys. I realized
hunting was thrust upon me and the interest had worn off. Fall to me now means
the Spud Run, Goblin
Gallop, full and half-marathons. I could let go of old habits and embrace
new ones, and still be me. I
felt relaxed and free the second half of that run, like a weight had been
lifted off of my shoulders. I felt okay
with myself... at peace.
All was good, until the cool-down walk after my run. It hit me, was my son
doing the same with his running
as I was doing with my hunting? The signs were there for a long time, I just
chose not to see them. It was
his idea to start running and racing... he wanted to be like me. I hoped he
wanted to run for the love of the
sport or the joy of staying healthy and fit. I sat him down that night and
told him if he didn't wan to run and
race it was fine with me. I let him know he would still be my best friend.
"Okay Dad" was his reply without
much thought, "I still want to play soccer and baseball though."
Just like that, I imagined the weight being
lifted off his shoulders as well. Growing up I had no interest in either sport,
but I'm glad for him that he does.
Now, I find myself pitching for batting practice and playing catch a lot,
and that's fine with me.
We all pick our own path in life. His and mine are not alike, but that doesn't
mean one is better than the
other. With his future ahead of him... I'll bet his path will prove to be
better for him in the long run. Actually
I'm proud of him for having his own interests in life. If he changes his mind
though and wants to run again
someday, it wouldn't hurt my feelings.
| Questions or comments contact director@lmglaw.com |