We're all familiar with the book entitled "All I Needed To Know I learned in kindergarten." This quick read defines how to live and what to do and how to be as I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school. Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.
The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living. Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.
Here is a short list of things I learned from nearly three decades of lacing up my shoes, heading out the door and chasing my family, relationship, professional, running dreams and goals; or just to clear my head and keep my perspective from the craziness of the world.
1. Just like a race or an interval workout, Life will have it's ups and downs.
2. The rough patches are never more than the good and the end result is always worth the effort.
3. Never settle for "just finishing" or mediocrity. Try to challenge yourself just a bit more.
4. Have A Goal. Execute The Plan. Achieve The Goal.
5. Happiness is a new pair of training shoes.
6. Persevere through the mud, the hills and competition. Soon the pack will reappear. (Both in life and in running)
7. When it's dark outside and crossing the street. MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER. COUNT TO THREE. ALWAYS LOOK BOTH WAYS. IF POSSIBLE CROSS THE STREET DOWN A BIT FROM THE INTERSECTION. My good buddy and running pal John Laing and I were nearly clipped at the corner of Farmington and Plymouth Roads by a driver turning through a red light. We both were even wearing the brightest reflective gear.
8. Naps after long runs are wonderful.
9. A dog can be the best and worst running partner.
10. Without chocolate and coffee, the world would be a dark place.
11. Sharing a race or run with your wife, son or daughter is second to none.
12. The details will be recalled much better than the finish.
13. Spicy Sicilian Pizza is not a good choice the night before a run longer than 20 minutes.
14. Start slow. Pick up the pace. Finish Strong. If getting to step 2 is a challenge, remain at step one.
15. Never Give Up. You'll regret what might have been.
