Are you Doing it Right?

If it’s not fun you might be doing it wrong.

After people get over the initial shock that I “run” they make some comment like “why?” or “it’s boring” or even <shudder> “I hate running”.  Well, I think they must be doing it wrong.  If it wasn't fun I wouldn't be doing it.  In the past few years I've been lucky enough to find many other people that enjoy running AND know how to make it fun.

My training for the Midnight Madness 50 Miler includes both short and long runs and I try to make each one unique.  I have plenty of chances to run in new cities with my job.  But my group of friends can make a “boring” long run fun.  Generally we start off with absolutely no destination in mind.  But then someone says something silly that becomes an event.  For instance:

I need a paint brush.

Have you read any good books lately?

We don't need to run, lets serve lemonade. 

I hear the dog show is in town.

Is there a ballgame tonight?

Let’s grab a bite to eat.

What would be your dancer name?

I wish the Katy Trail wasn't blocked.  How can we go west?

How far away is the Blue Whale?

 Of course my favorite part is the post-run meal.  Usually breakfast at any hour of the day.

Just like many of the programs at the YMCA I’ve made some great friends and lifelong memories.  There have been many times that I think “this is what a Y kid must feel like” and that keeps me enthusiastic about raising money for The Y.  I’m thankful for the people who have helped me along this journey and those who are helping me raise money to send more kids to Y camp and other programs.

Mitch