About Shunning Asphalt

The Site

Ring, ring…

Hello.

Hi, are you busy?

No, what’s up?

Had to call you with the good news. I’m so excited…You’re not going to believe it!

What?

I’ve started a blog.

(Cricket chirp)

You?

Yeah, I know, I know….with half of me still stuck in the 20^th century, it’s not the first thing anyone would think I’d do. But, I’m really excited about this.

(Pause)

Okay…what’s it about?

Running. You know it’s a bit of a passion.

Yes, I know. Running with you is not something anyone can easily forget. So what’s your site called?

Shunning Asphalt.

Hmm…yeah…I get it. You love running but you REALLY love trail running.

Yes!!! That’s it! A kind of metaphorical pledge to go out and run where nature lives…to visit trees and boulders…to drink up clean air where Mother Nature is the master landscaper…anything to take a break from our “concrete jungle.”

Yeah, makes sense.

Not only that, breaking free from our “concrete jungle”…

–– i.e.  Shunning Asphalt ––

…also means examing other aspects of our lives and coming to terms with how some of our “modern” ways may not be all that good for us. If done for health or even just for fun, running’s not an isolated activity. It’s connected to everything else we do on a daily basis. Nutrition, sleep, how well we manage our time, the deodorant we wear, etc., etc.

Sounds really good. Will you let me know when you post something? I’d love to see how you share your take on things. Even when time and money were scarce over the years, you never let that get in the way of what you believed in, especially running.

Sure, thanks, “A.” Would love to hear what you think. Will probably write a post every week so I’ll definitely be contacting you soon, most likely by snail mail, though. Then I can include photos. I know technology is the de facto way to do things now, but I just can’t give up the “old ways.”

You do know…

…what was that?

Oh…hmm…nothing. Just wanted to say I look forward to that. Write to “H,” too. Keep everyone in the loop.

Yes, you read my mind. 🙂

Talk to you soon?

Yes, best be going and…keep an eye out for my letter!

 

The Author, O.M.

Ring, ring…

Hi.

Hi, O.M.?…Got your post done already? That was quick. Five minutes ago you told me about your blog and, poof…

Very funny…No, I just had a thought. A not so good thought.

What’s that?

I don’t really have clout.

Goodness!!! What do you mean?!?

Well, people like to see proof that you know what you’re talking about. When it comes to running, my race resume is pretty slim these days.

Well, that’s true but you yourself told me that racing’s not everything. You always told me that your goal when it comes to running is to run “for life,” not just to be prepared for “race day.”

Yeah, true…

Well, I don’t understand you doubting yourself now. You’re good at what you do. You’ve been running for decades. You’ve never really been injured. When you do compete, you usually place 1^st in your age group. Not only that, your times are competitive with people half your age. You also have boatloads of experience from all the triathlons, aquathons, and Alcatraz swims you did when you were younger.

…yeah, I guess so.

And didn’t you win a race outright once?

Yes, I did. A 5K. Would you believe that!?! I’m a distance runner who won a 5K…But, if there was any 5K to win, that was the one…the “Walt Stack Birthday Run.” Even got to meet him afterward and receive one of his personal trophies. From what I heard, he was presenting them at other races, too. That was a great day…meeting him…taking home one of his old trophies…it sure was a nice way to “celebrate” all the work I was putting into my running.

See, there you go. And you can’t forget, you also helped “H” and I a lot before we started high school. That could be one of the reasons why we were prepared enough to start on the varsity team when we were freshmen.

Yeah, perhaps…I can’t say I wasn’t a little bit proud when I heard that the coach was impressed with “H’s” form, especially being a former Olympian. But, even with all that, is it really enough? I guess I just have to see how things go. It’s really a tricky place to be in. I used to LOVE to compete but now I just like to run. Don’t get me wrong though. Even though I don’t compete that much, I still like to train to be race ready. Can’t beat that feeling of fitness.

Yeah, no kidding, there’s nothing easy about tagging along with you on a run.

Well, the sentiment is mutual. We do have a way of challenging each other.

More true words were never spoken.

Well, thanks for the pep talk. It really all comes down to me just staying true to myself. I will always believe that racing is “dessert” while running for running’s sake is the “square meal” so many of us rely on to stay healthy and grounded. People can live without dessert, but a healthy body and mind come from the well-planned meal. That goes for any sport…biking, swimming…

Goodness, you and your idealistic thinking…and your food analogies!!!

Sorry, it’s the…hmm…dietitian in me. Even though I don’t work in a hospital anymore…

Well, I suggest you just not worry about “clout.” Just write and see how it goes. I think it will go well.

You’re right. I had a moment. It’s gone now. Knowing all the years of running and experimenting I’ve done, there’s much good there. Okay, I’ll get back to it and let you know when I post.

Super! I look forward to your letter. Oh, forgot to mention…even though it had to take you starting a blog, it’s nice knowing you’re finally okay with posting a picture of yourself online.

Come again?…Me do that?

O.M., it’s kind of what people do who have blogs…kind of comes with the territory.

(Cricket chirp)

…maybe one day. 🙂