Running with/against the mind

I'm going to write about running. At this point, you are already hesitant or happy to keep reading. Either way, it's understandable. August 2006, I ran a half marathon because my wife thought it would be fun. After the massive amount of miles logged in training--somewhere between 8 and 12 total--I felt surprisingly demolished after the race. My calves tightened up, and the outside of my knee throbbed--especially when I walked down stairs. Because of that day I came to 2 conclusions: I would never run a marathon, and I wanted to learn how to enjoy running. So far, I've accomplished both. After a year of being the guy that everyone sees and says, "If that guy can do it . . . ," I can say I enjoy running. In the past week, a revelation has come, and it says, "There are 2 types of people: those that can't mentally run, and those that can't not run." Obviously, some folks might say, "what about those that have disabilities and can't physically run?" For you, I present team Hoyt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXHP-6yWTOo . The rest of us fall into the 2 revelatory categories. Either you think of nothing but the suckitude of running while you are running, or you use your running time to let your mind wander or ponder on those things that are consuming it. I use to be the former. Breath heaving. Feet slapping. I sounded like a tire going flat. Since then, I have found the upside of running. My wife says I'm happier, and, honestly, I relish my duty as "That Guy." If you've read this far, you must be a runner. Or you're still hoping there's a point to all this. The point is if feeble-minded I can do it, then so can you. So start today, Labor Day, and don't look back. Just a few things to leave you with: Try running with your favorite music; read about runners--Rodger Bannister, Prefontaine, Amby Burfoot, or even The Penguin; check out runnersworld.com; and, finally, spend a little money on yourself and buy some running shoes and lightweight running clothes. Until then, search out runners and ask them why they do it.