Running Errands

And with all the fun that was had at the Bridge Run, I feel I need to make an admission: sometimes (oftentimes), it's hard to be a spectator at races; all the big, happy smiles I see on runners' faces make me envious, because I know that there's not much better in this world than losing yourself in a run/race; pushing yourself to succeed, then seeing that grit and determination pay off with positive results and lasting, healthy habits.  Which got me to thinking about my love affair with running: my need, no matter the time or weather, to run...plain and simple.  Knowing that, whatever my mood, my run is always there to pick me up--no matter the distance or effort.  Can running be your best friend?  And if so, will my wife divorce me if I admit it (these are all hypotheticals, people!)?  In fact, there are certain things I take for granted that others think are downright hilarious (apparently); things I think seem altogether natural when running, things that others think make me a little...different, to put it nicely.  Case in point: I like to run errands.  Literally.  I've lost count of how many times I've run our Redbox movie back to the grocery store, and I've placed other smallish objects in my mom's and sister's mailboxes over the years (checks, gels, etc.).  But I was recently reminded how strange all of this truly is (did I just forget, or did I never even know?) when I took it upon myself to run an entire Sam's Club-sized box of biscottis to my mother (I needed to get my run in anyways, so why not kill two birds with one stone?!).  Apparently, unbeknownst to me, there is a weight/size ratio that is acceptable to run with, and this did not fall within those parameters.  Needless to say, I felt being laughed out of the house was a little harsh...although, in retrospect, I likely would have had a similar reaction had I seen someone running down the street, in full running getup, carrying a large box full of baked goods.

I make light of my situation to ask you this question: how crazy in-love with running are you?--do you find yourself doing crazy things that have somehow become natural to you, and are you willing to share those stories with us (let's keep this PG, people)?

Especially this time of year, I am so very thankful for my family, my job, and my health; love brought us all together, and running has kept us there.  Happy Holidays to you all!

- Chris Ramsey