I’ve been reading the latest blogs posted by two of our daughters who are
into the “running thing,” and though they compete in different challenge
levels, I found it interesting that they both happened to mention something that
apparently is common among runners. Curb jumping and weaving. It seems that
when the pace of the larger group is too slow for certain runners who are a bit
more . . . let’s say, enthusiastic, they often resort to this exercise to
maintain the interest. One daughter referred to this as “pinball running,”
bouncing from side to side on the curbs and weaving through the
crowd.
Some would say
“Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.” Ron Washington would say “He do what he do.”
Nevertheless, I understand completely. This house project is my marathon
challenge and sometimes the daily progress isn’t very impressive, especially
when you consider how much lies ahead before I reach the finish line. So, for
the past few days I’ve had the itch to do a little curb jumping and weaving of
my own.
The weatherman
promises a very pleasant day, so I think it would be a good diversion to do some
test painting on the outside of the house. I’ve been anxious to do this from
the get go but the inside things have taken higher priority. Anyway, we need
to see if the color trio we’ve chosen will look as great in real life as it does
on paper. Beside, it will send a message to our neighbors that good things are
ahead. They’ve already commented on the welcome sight of our recent removal of
the overgrown trees and bushes that were shrouding the house.
Legs + Mind = Finish
From what I’ve
heard people say and what I observe sitting in the bleachers, distance running
is a simple mathematical equation of two components: LEGS and MIND. You not
only need the stamina of the legs to deliver the body to the finish line, but
you need the will power of the mind to decide that making the distance is worth
the effort. The mind decides that merely showing up for the race and getting
the T-Shirt is not enough, but the medals, trophies and bragging rights are
supreme and worth pulverizing your feet.
I suppose lots of
people’s legs have played out at this juncture in the house refurbishing
marathon. This is when it’s so important to keep the mind in the game because
this kind of work is fun for me - but it’s also hard and tiresome . . . like
pounding the pavement mile after mile. But I can see the prize ahead of me . .
. a beautifully painted house, cleaned up and well maintained lawn, flowering
plants and nicely groomed shrubs accenting the landscape. Oh . . . and don’t
forget the mezmerizing sounds of Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban being piped in
all around like a shopping mall.
Dang . . . I’m
ready to get back to work! J
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