Making the Right Decision

Friday, October 09, 2015 · Mike Davis

Good morning! Grab a mug of Joe and pull up a chair. I am sipping coffee and chatting with you this morning from our home in Pinehurst, North Carolina. In fact, I am sitting on our screen porch, which may be my favorite room in the house. Definitely a wonderful blessing to have a beautiful home that, at some point, will be my primary residence. For now, it is nice to get down here on occasion and enjoy this blessing and hang out with my wife. This past Sunday I worked at the base, and after getting off work around 4:30 my daughter Jennifer met me for a run. Our goal was to run 10 miles, which would be the longest run this year for the both of us. Because of my ACL injury and Jenn’s schedule this year we are both significantly behind in our training for the “White Mountain Milers Half Marathon.” Behind enough that we even discussed the idea of running the race as a relay team instead of doing the 13.1. The run on Sunday was hopefully going to give us an indication whether we should continue on with the idea of running the half marathon or change plans and run as a team. It was a beautiful afternoon for running and because Jennifer had just returned the day before from a vacation out in Portland Oregon, we had lots to chat about. In fact we both commented at one point how the first 3 miles seemed like nothing because of the relaxed pace and our chatting. Miles 4 and 5 were on the Great Bay trail loop out at the Wildlife Refuge and that was awesome on a day like Sunday. (If you have never run out there, it is a great short trail and beautiful, especially this time of year.) After coming out of the trail, we made our way to Newington Village where you truly get to enjoy fall in a New England village; rolling hills, farms, tree lined roads with beautiful foliage. Eventually, we moved back onto Arboretum and the Tradeport, heading for our final 2 miles. We finished our miles and, I think it was safe to say that neither one of us had much left in the tank. In fact, I had a pretty intense pain in my right bicep that was getting progressively worse on that final mile, as well as our cooldown walk. Still not sure what that pain was about and will need to be cognizant of relaxing that arm more. Regardless, we completed our goal! So we were both pleased that we accomplished our goal, and though it wasn’t exactly planned we were joined at the “Roundabout” restaurant by Jennifer’s husband Aaron for a celebratory dinner. The celebration started with the clanging of mugs of hot chocolate as cheers for our accomplishment, as well as to warm us up! By that time, it had really cooled down. Having completed one of our goals was great but, what about the goal of determining which distance we would be running for the race in a few weeks? I think we both felt better about the possibility but, I am not sure either of us believe it would be an enjoyable 13.1 miles. While I am quite confident we both can do it, it would not be either one of our best for sure. The question becomes; which distance would be the most enjoyable? Splitting the 13.1 most certainly will be much easier for both of us and probably makes more sense (right now) but, we are not sure which we would actually enjoy more. Enjoyment for me at this point is not as it once was or even what I would like it to be in the future so, maybe I can manage the 13.1 miles solely taking in the scenic beauty and even walking at times if necessary. I am pretty sure I know what my daughter will decide and that could mean if I decide to run the relay I may need to find a partner. Ultimately, no matter which distance we run, we will be up in North Conway for NFLR’s first “Destination Race” and it will be awesome! Running enjoyment means so many different things to different people and as I mature (get older), I am much more accepting of what enjoyment I should be gaining at this particular time. There are times in our running life that we need to be realistic and there are times when we are more capable. However, either ends of the spectrum need to be enjoyable or we are truly missing out on what running should be. Have a great weekend and go out and enjoy your running! God Bless! Mike