1. i-gave-up-joggingLife Lesson: Enjoy the downhills.
    I was cursing up a hill the other day on a loop near my house. As I gasped for air, I wondered why I chose such an uphill route. Then it struck me… when I start and finish at the same place, the net elevation gain is zero. I’m running down just as much as I’m running up, but I don’t notice the downhills. Thus, I’ve decided to make an effort to relish the flats, to smile on the downhills and to not take them for granted.
  2. Business Lesson: It takes a lot of energy to keep your average.
    I use a wrist GPS system to keep track of my miles, pace, calories burned, etc. My display shows me my average pace. At the beginning, any change in cadence will change the pace quite a bit, but after mile 5, 9, 13… it takes a monumental effort to get the pace down just a few seconds. Thus, if you get behind in the first quarter, you have to work like a fiend to catch up. This is like my daily income goal. If on Monday I make 85 percent and on Tuesday hit 90 percent, I have to work like crazy the rest of the week so I end up with an average of 100 percent per day.
  3. Fashion Lesson: These thighs were not made for short running skirts.
    No explanation needed.
  4. Zen Lesson: Perhaps the answer is not at the finish line.
    Ever since cancer entered our family, I’ve been running just to run. I haven’t been stressing about my pace, counting my weekly mileage, beating myself up because I missed a workout. I’ve been taking off in the early evenings with nothing but the goal of exercising my body and resting my mind. And I’m having so much fun! Sunday I ran 21 (or 22 — it’s disputed) miles just because I could. D.J. rode his bike, bringing me refreshments every 2 or 3 miles. I took it slow and enjoyed the day more than I ever enjoyed a marathon. Not two months ago I was convinced that the joy of running was in finishing better, faster and stronger than the last race. Now I appreciate the simple joy of running.
  5. Simplicity Lesson: You don’t need much to be a happy runner.
    Just like any sport with enthusiasts in the age of gadgets, you can outfit yourself with high-tech shoes, custom orthotics, advanced hydration systems, modern fabrics and expensive stereo systems. But all you really need to run is a pair of running shoes, some socks that won’t cause blisters and your favorite workout clothes. And in your life, you don’t need the latest electro-plasma TV, the newest luxury sedan, the most expensive coffee maker/bean grinder combo…. you pretty much need a place to sleep, a nice shower and a Mr. Coffee from Target.