Running around Suburbia

Wildlife I passed:

1) Cardinals
2) Deer
3) Wild Turkeys

Whole new running life experiences:

1) Sidewalks
2) Less than 200% humidity
3) No pollution

I could get used to this...

Pining for the Moon

Three days. Four countries. Five flights. 20,000+ miles. Started on a beach in the South China Sea last Sunday wrapping up over Jamaica Bay Saturday afternoon with interludes in Xintiandi street stalls and Apujeong soju parlors. Power plants and coastlines bookmarking strong flavors and personal frontiers.

This week I cartwheeled across shark nets in the Lamma Channel. I raced old men on bicycles through the streets of the French concession. I danced down the Incheon aisles.

Following last Sunday's moonless night, I've found the soft warm glow before Pearl Tower and after PowerPoint presentations. I have been pining for the moon- imagining a dark and distant dream could be better than the fiery sun that sits squarely on my street.

I am finally figuring out how to enjoy the sun's warmth and embrace the constant joy that sits inside me.

I'm going to Graceland.

Addicted?

Lately I've had a lot of people asking me, "So are you addicted now?" My response always comes out as a hedge, something along the lines of, "Ah, um, I don't know. I don't think so."

Growing up in the "Just Say No" 80s, the word addiction instantly conjures images filled with vials of crack cocaine (if they even come in vials) , needles, and strung out people writhing on the ground of burned out factory buildings. Clearly my American youth was filled with after-school specials and made for TV movies.

But how could I possibly be addicted to running? The first time I answered the question, "Are you a runner?"in the affirmative was last week in my office building elevator when someone spotted me with a Raidlight backpack. How do you go from existential hesitation before a simple question to full-fledged addiction?

That would seem a bit much to me.

So I decided to check out the warning signs of addiction:

1. Usage increase- well i'm now running 4-5 times a week

2. Change in personality

3. Social withdrawl- i definitely don't go out like i used to

4. Ongoing use- first thing I did when I got to Shanghai was to go for a run.

5. Time spent obtaining the drug- i spent hours planning runs and looking for new gear.

6. Change in Daily Habits or appearance- my schedule has changed and hopefully I look a little different.

7. Neglects responsibilities- i definitely would rather run than do dishes.

8. Increased sensitivity- i get super grumpy if I haven't had a satisfying run.

9. Blackouts and forgetfulness

10. Defensiveness

I' m over 50% on the warning signs.

Uhoh...It's true- running does make me feel better and helps me cope with challenging emotional situations. After a long day at work, I wake up craving the solititude, the movement, the free space in my head, and the endorphins which pump through my body. My lifestyle is altered ; my priorities are rearranged; my approach to everything from friends to work to food is different.

But for now I'll stick to enthusastic, excited, or exhilarated about, by, or from running rather than addicted to it. I'd like to think that I'm still in control.

**Addiction is a very serious condition, and addiction to drugs, alcohol, prescriptions, gambling, and the internet are all harmful to you and your loved ones. If you need help, seek out the support of professionals who are qualified to assist. I am happy to help in indentifying the appropriate resources if you need someone to help you navigate.

Of course, if you're just having a lousy day, you are always welcome to run with me.

The Why

It's funny- two months after the race, and people are still asking me, "Why?"

I generally offer one of the following explanations:

1) I wanted to see Kashgar.
2) Why not?
3) I did not want to be the big bridesmaid.
4) I decided to try work/life balance.
5) I wanted to see what HK had to offer outside of Al's Diner.
6) Thought I might meet some interesting people.
7) Quarterlife crisis.
8) Get back to being an athlete.
9) An excellent excuse to buy shiny new gear
10) Find some free time to think about what's important.

All of these are sort of true and sort of simplistic.

At least with the Singapore race, the answer is easy:

Singapore is flat, and I have an awesome team name.

Oh yeah and I wanted to see if I might possibly like this sport of running...

The answer: YES.
(see previous post)

I am now officially a runner...

Middle toenail on the left foot: GONE.

Three plus hours of running: DONE.

Officially a runner? ABSOLUTELY.

Great weekend.