One of my all-time favorite runs is a 7.25 loop that takes me east from home into the countryside and up three substantial hills to a splendid overlook of Pelican Lake. The three hills are as substantial as anything that you will find in my part of Minnesota, but the view from the top is breath-taking (not to mention just having run up the hills to get there). From the top you can see for several miles and Pelican Lake spreads like an aquatic ameoba.
Last night H-- and a friend brought home the movie Elizabethtown. I did not expect to like it, but it was wonderful. A great story of finding what you truly want by keeping your eyes open to see what is around you. While I rarely recommend movies, I give this one high marks.
The Claire character lamented about feeling like a substitute person--one who is filling a role for someone else rather than being oneself. Claire never extolled selfishness, but instead sought to find herself and to help the Drew character to find his own voice and not be just another substitute. It has really got me thinking.
Hopefully this is not too much of a stretch, but running takes me to a place of self-determination. No one is telling me how far to run or how fast. Yes, I have a training plan, but Mr. Higdon (www.halhigdon.com) has not once called to check up on me. If I want to go fast one day I can. If I want to go slow, no one is there to compel me to do otherwise. If I want to go longer or shorter. I get to choose my route. In running at least, I am not a substitute person. And I really like that feeling. (And the endorphins probably don't hurt either.)
The Persistent Journey -- toward authentic living in an inauthentic world
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