Oof, those are the worst. A stress fracture derailed my triple jumping career... And as I approach middle age I'm getting acquainted with another running villain: Lower Back Pain.
These are fantastic and fantastically relatable comics! I wish I could express myself visually that way. My journey was very different yet similar. I couldn’t run fast shorter than a mile. just didn’t have the acceleration. I ran mile on the track and longer in cross country. Then, later I discovered bicycle racing and that had the same joy and distance issue. I excelled in road races from 20 miles longer. I could race shorter rides like track only because my “second gear” of acceleration from speed to top speed was good and I had a high top end. Cycling brought other joys as well because it was easier to be collegial on the bike than running. Much easier to chat even when expending significant energy. I had a break of many years and then rediscovered riding with my by then college age son. Sadly a major stroke took that joy away as it stole my balance. Now, 8 years after, I think I can start again. I am beginning on my shoes again. Now just trying to walk a useful distance with some regularity.
These are beautiful illustrations and I love the rhyming verses that go along with them. I was thinking about this lately as a triathlete. Running is the hardest of the three sports for me, so I find myself distracted a lot when I run. My mind fills with a million things I need to do- mostly what I need to do as a writer besides the actual writing, you know the "business stuff." Ugh. Then, swimming is easy for me, so I often drift into my own thoughts there as well. The only place my focus doesn't stray is when I'm on the bike. Perhaps it's the combination of being outside, and then also the speed, that makes you stay focused and on task. I'm working at visualizing taking off different hats: work hat, workout hat, relaxing hat, so I can stay in the present moment. But it's a challenge!
Second the notion about this could be written about swimming… It’s been said of me that if I don’t swim I’m not nice to be around! 🤣 And for my husband he needs his runs! If more people would include these types of activities into their days I truly believe, the world would be a better place. Wonderful illustrations 👍
I've been *thinking * about running again (after not running for a few (many?) years). Seeing these illustrations this morning may just be the nudge I need! Either way - really enjoyed the comics.
I don’t know why I feel I have experienced it all, or is it a déjà vu 🤔, or is it my past life, I don’t know maybe it’s my childhood, I haven’t run for years, reminds me of running under the trees in rain. Your writing took me there!
I loved this and every detail of the experience. I learned in my twenties that running was impossible, so I walked... to work, around campus, even a hike now and then. In my late forties and fiftes, I lived in a place with wonderful forest trails. Every day, I enjoyed my "wilderness" walks with the dogs, using the same trails as I rode on my horse. Now I live a block from BLM desert land, but found some of the people out there to be a little too creepy for an old lady with deteriorating joints to handle if the occasion arose. I yearn for those days again and thank you, dear sir, for this memory-inducing romp.
You've inspired me to create my running short story: Shin Splints.
Oof, those are the worst. A stress fracture derailed my triple jumping career... And as I approach middle age I'm getting acquainted with another running villain: Lower Back Pain.
Walking is great for lower back pain. At 73, it's my go to.
73 also. My reply seems to be much lower. I thought Substack ordered better.
I too am 73 but post stroke I am walking. See personal entry.
I started running at the age of 52. All of this. 😀
Wow, that's great!
to high-five trees! Yes!!! :D
I also run, not fast, and found myself nodding along.
Glad you could relate!
These are fantastic and fantastically relatable comics! I wish I could express myself visually that way. My journey was very different yet similar. I couldn’t run fast shorter than a mile. just didn’t have the acceleration. I ran mile on the track and longer in cross country. Then, later I discovered bicycle racing and that had the same joy and distance issue. I excelled in road races from 20 miles longer. I could race shorter rides like track only because my “second gear” of acceleration from speed to top speed was good and I had a high top end. Cycling brought other joys as well because it was easier to be collegial on the bike than running. Much easier to chat even when expending significant energy. I had a break of many years and then rediscovered riding with my by then college age son. Sadly a major stroke took that joy away as it stole my balance. Now, 8 years after, I think I can start again. I am beginning on my shoes again. Now just trying to walk a useful distance with some regularity.
Thank you for the note, John! And great take on cycling. Hope your recovery continues to go well!
This comic is so cool! I don't run but I jog, now I feel like running everyday!
dear grant,
another beautiful piece!
i love that "things to think about while running" includes "a pleasant void"
amazing art and meaningful messages as always!
much love and thanks,
myq
This makes me want to start running!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Good luck!
I completely adore it
Where the inspiration comes from ?
💕
Yes!
These are beautiful illustrations and I love the rhyming verses that go along with them. I was thinking about this lately as a triathlete. Running is the hardest of the three sports for me, so I find myself distracted a lot when I run. My mind fills with a million things I need to do- mostly what I need to do as a writer besides the actual writing, you know the "business stuff." Ugh. Then, swimming is easy for me, so I often drift into my own thoughts there as well. The only place my focus doesn't stray is when I'm on the bike. Perhaps it's the combination of being outside, and then also the speed, that makes you stay focused and on task. I'm working at visualizing taking off different hats: work hat, workout hat, relaxing hat, so I can stay in the present moment. But it's a challenge!
Oh, to be a natural swimmer - I'm envious :) Enjoyed hearing your take on the mental aspects of triathlon training. Very interesting!
Second the notion about this could be written about swimming… It’s been said of me that if I don’t swim I’m not nice to be around! 🤣 And for my husband he needs his runs! If more people would include these types of activities into their days I truly believe, the world would be a better place. Wonderful illustrations 👍
Love this 🥰🥰🥰
I've been *thinking * about running again (after not running for a few (many?) years). Seeing these illustrations this morning may just be the nudge I need! Either way - really enjoyed the comics.
Thank you, and good luck!
I relate to so many of the panels, Grant! You've drawn the perfect summation of why many of us run!
I don’t know why I feel I have experienced it all, or is it a déjà vu 🤔, or is it my past life, I don’t know maybe it’s my childhood, I haven’t run for years, reminds me of running under the trees in rain. Your writing took me there!
Running under trees in the rain, great image!
it was a fun blog and very inspiring as I love to run!
I loved this and every detail of the experience. I learned in my twenties that running was impossible, so I walked... to work, around campus, even a hike now and then. In my late forties and fiftes, I lived in a place with wonderful forest trails. Every day, I enjoyed my "wilderness" walks with the dogs, using the same trails as I rode on my horse. Now I live a block from BLM desert land, but found some of the people out there to be a little too creepy for an old lady with deteriorating joints to handle if the occasion arose. I yearn for those days again and thank you, dear sir, for this memory-inducing romp.
Thank you for the message, Sue!