I’m a morning runner. I get up, I write some stuff, I run.
Or
I get up, I run.
Sometimes I procrasti-write. Sometimes I procrasti-work.
And then I find myself squeezing in an afternoon run. I’m rarely more than 1km in, when I realise I hate afternoon runs.
Exhibit A:
It can be hot. I need sunscreen. I don’t have sunscreen. I’m trying to hold my hand above my head as a form of portable shade. I think I might pass out.
Exhibit B:
People are out and about. Doing normal day stuff. They shop, drop kids to school, pick them up from school. They run errands. I just run. I feel out of place.
Exhibit C:
This is the clincher.
In the mornings, I run past a person, any person. I smile. I say “Morning!”. The only other people I see are also exercising. They are running, walking, cycling, watching their dog. They nod back, or return a “Morning”. 2 simple syllables.
In the afternoon, I run past a person. I think.. are they exercising, or running an errand? No greeting is required for the errand runner. I make a call. OK. So, they’re exercising. I have to say “Afternoon”. 3 syllables. 3 awkward syllables that don’t roll off the tongue at all. It’s hard to smile and say “Afternoon”. It’s needs the “Good” prefix. But I don’t have time for that, I’m running.
And so, I grimace an “Afternoon” greeting at the person, and labour on.
Vowing that this will not happen again.
Tomorrow, I will run in the morning.
2 syllables is better than 3.
