On Running and Writing

Running and writing. Two of the oldest human things we do, and they're still shaping who I am and why I'm here. Both need that special mix of discipline and creativity, and man, do they demand endurance. But here's the thing – endurance isn't just about gritting your teeth through the tough stuff. It's strength and speed coming together to go the distance. It's about thriving, not just surviving.

When I'm out there pounding the pavement, I can't help but think of that Irish poet who said we gotta push past what's comfortable, to beg ourselves to reach higher. It's not just about the mechanics anymore – it's about feeling. That’s where you find that sweet spot, that balance between pushing hard and letting it flow.

People run for all sorts of reasons. Some hit the ground running to escape the chaos of life, to find a little peace in the rhythm of their feet. Others do it to exert themselves, to feel that rush of endorphins that comes with a good sweat. And then there are those who run to clear their minds, letting the worries of the day drift away with every step. It’s a form of meditation, really – just you, the road, and the sound of your breath.

But if I’m being totally honest: running can feel like torture sometimes. Those early mornings when your legs feel like lead, or that moment when you hit the wall and every ounce of your body screams for you to stop. It’s in those moments that you question your sanity (you do too, right?), wondering why you ever thought this was a good idea. Yet, somehow, even in the struggle, there’s a beauty to it. Every tough run teaches you something about resilience, about pushing through, and about the sheer will to keep going.

Lately, I’ve been vibing with the NordicTrack and iFIT. It’s like having a personal trainer in my living room, minus the puddles and that one neighborhood dog that always wants to “join” my run. I get to see the world from the front edge of my garage. Knox Robinson, one of the iFIT trainers, has this way of weaving poetry into the rhythm of running. It’s pretty cool how he connects the dots between hitting the road and the deeper stuff in life. He understands that running isn’t just about the miles; it’s about the journey within.

You know that moment when everything just clicks? When you're running or writing, and suddenly time just... melts away? That’s the flow state. It’s where the magic happens. Knox has a knack for getting you there, making each session feel like a poetic journey rather than just another workout. He reminds us that running can be a canvas for our thoughts, a place where ideas can blossom as we move. (It’s much more enjoyable than solo struggle-bussing my way through 6 miles.)

Here’s the deal though – running, like writing, won’t do itself. You gotta lace up those shoes or open the Google doc and just start. It’s an act of creation, a way to dig deep into what makes us human. And sometimes the only thing between you and a marathon is a few thousand more steps... and maybe a “teleport to finish line” button that doesn’t exist.

In the end, running and writing are all tangled up in my life. The NordicTrack and Knox have become part of that story, helping me find new paths on the treadmill and in my head. Whether it’s feet hitting the belt or fingers on the keyboard, it’s all about creating, enduring, and occasionally cracking a joke to keep things interesting. As I run and write, I’m pushing past my limits, finding out who I am, and figuring out why I’m here – one step, one word at a time.

So, whether you’re running to escape, to exert yourself, or to clear your mind, remember that each stride is a chance to connect with yourself. And every word you write is a step toward understanding your own journey. In this beautiful dance of running and writing, we find not just endurance, but a celebration of life itself. I’ve never met a run that I didn’t love, even the ones that felt like torture. Because in the end, every step is worth it.