4.01 miles (total: 1672.60 miles)
I am doing my runs later than ever lately. Today I didn't finish until well past 9PM. I had to run around our neighborhood (venturing too far at this hour is not always the best idea - bad guys and wild animals and all). So had to run in circles to get to at least 4 miles. It was a ... kind of a mind-numbing exercise... Don't get me wrong, it's still better than not running at all, but running 4 miles on our block is an exercise in patience. Thankfully, it was at night and at least I was all by myself.
One of my favorite poems is Desiderata by Max Ehrmann and it came to mind today while running. Simple words, few frills, it is a balm for the soul at all times. It goes like this..
GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
You have a right to be here... good words to keep in mind.
The weather tonight was pleasant and the darkness and the lights made it not such a terrible drudgery after all. Tomorrow, I really need to get out and do a proper run.
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