When I run with a time or mileage goal in mind, the turnaround point brings a state of satisfaction, or a sense of relief … “I’m ½ way done.” Why do we often search for the half-way marker? Are we glad it’s half-over? On those “I feel strong days,” are we disappointed that we only have half left, and time is running out? Is this anything like seeing the glass as half-full v. half-empty?
I guess on some days during a run, my physical body is glad that I have reached the turnaround point. I’m sure I experience the same feeling in a long race when I see that mile 6 or 7 marker. There must be comfort in knowing you are closer to the finish line compared to the starting line. But isn’t this life in general? Is there relief when we have reached the half-way point of a big project? Don’t we often smile when the clock tells us that half of our work day is complete?
During my run, I could almost hear my boy’s voices singing, “We’re half way there now. We’re lookin good now. Nothing’s gonna get in the way.” When I finished my run, I reached for the computer and searched for the full lyrics of this upbeat song, I found a section that personally made a connection.
“Seems like going the distance is unrealistic. We’re too far from the start. So we take what comes and we keep on going, leaning on each others shoulders. Then we turn around and see we’ve come so far, somehow. We’re half way there now.”
It’s a guarantee in my exercise future; I will face many workouts when I am longing for the half-way marker- looking for that finish line. I think my goal for now will be to treasure the days when I feel strong, satisfied, and wish the miles would stretch beyond the measured 5,280 feet.
