you canNOT be serious!

Something smacked me across the face Sunday evening and left a bitter taste in my mouth.  We all have reasons for living our lives as we do.  Every person comes to daily mile for something different.  Each of us takes away something different to apply in life.  Whether it is one more mile run, a few seconds shaved off the PR, that last 5 pounds dropped, or to simply hear another voice express the thoughts in my own head.

• A person questioned the seriousness of Daily Mile.  The idea is that Daily Mile is not for "the serious athlete".  Who said Daily Mile has to be serious.  Or silly.  Or anything other than what you want it to be when you log in at that time.

• What you discover in exploring the posts of Daily Mile and fleshing out those relationships beyond the pages of the website is a plethora of emotion - joy, pain, suffering, elation, heartbreak, loss, rejuvenation and resurrection.

• Some friends have dealt with the loss of unborn children.

• More than a few friends have battled through serious injury to achieve amazing goals.

• A few are still sidelined by injury, dealing with the mental and emotional toll of not seeing the desired results.  Sometimes "wanting" is not enough.

• One is wading through the devastation of a crumbling relationship.

• Another runs in memory of a lost loved one, but sidelined by illness.

• At least one friend runs alone.  Without support of family.

• More than a few have made remarkable strides in health and weight loss, simply because.

• There is the amazing runner burned with Boston and another 4 months of running with a sliver of glass buried in her foot.

• Some run while struggling with unemployment, or work that is less than satisfying.  Devoid of meaning.

• A person saw the light leading to better health, only to loss her closest friend.

• A few struggle with being overwhelmed by life.  Work and family are all-consuming and little time is left for self.

• And I read several posts crying out over a loss of motivation.  You can be so close to something awesome, only to veer off the track and get lost.

If you recognize any of these people I ask you not mention their names in the comments.  Several people could fit into many of these examples and I would rather not call out someone publicly.  Some are public with their own stories (guilty as charged), or you may have had private conversations and know the details.  If so, send along a few words of encouragement.


The point of all this is to say that while Daily Mile may not be for "the serious athlete", it is a well of serious emotion.  We come for the smiles, the laughter, the tears.  The highs and lows.  The congratulations and the condolences.  Daily Mile is about living your best life possible.


But if you think Daily Mile is not serious enough, you may not understand what Daily Mile is truly about.


PS After reading comments posted to Daily Mile and directly to my blog I am overwhelmed by the passion exhibited by the readers.  Thank you taking time to read and respond.  Use that passion in your workout and no goal will be beyond your reach.