Day 4,157—Three Conversations—

 

        Yesterday, someone asked me about my running, so I told them a little bit about it, and they asked, “So you’re in pretty good shape?” It is strange because I cannot remember anyone asking me that before. It is interesting how people respond when they have never heard of anyone running 100-mile races before.

        They’re like, “What is this?! I am impressed with 26.2 miles, but 100 seems suspicious.” I am sure she didn’t mean it like that, and it is not like I was offended.

        I  had just hit 16 miles and was getting some sports drinks. A guy at Walgreens asked me when I was in line. 

        “I have to ask. You’re always coming in here soaked. Did you drive here like that?”

        “I have been running a marathon loop, and I just hit 16 miles.”

        “Wow! That is so cool! You’re tough!”

        “I run 100-mile races, so I am just training.”

        “I wish I could do that! That is so bad ass!”

        “You could do it. It only takes—” I couldn’t remember what to say.

        “It only takes persistence.”

        “No, I couldn’t, dude.”

It was a little awkward, but I hope I was acceptably thankful for his praise. I  tell people they could do it too if they wanted, because it is true.

When I had been running for over 20 miles, I saw a guy look at me and put his hand up for a high-five. Our hands slapped each other perfectly, and he shouted, “Big Dog!”

He didn’t look familiar, but I must have known him. His encouragement was just what I needed. I was getting a little tired, but getting closer to the end, and I had finally let myself listen to music.