But we are not creatures of reason.

We are creatures of passion.

Often you new people, sometimes you meet doggies too

About four months ago a wonderful thing happened to me. I discovered this thing called running. I had been trying my hand (or rather my feet) at it for quite a while, but unsuccessfully. I'd go one day, huff and puff, run for about five-seven minutes, and then decide I had had enough exercise for at least a month if not more.

I still haven't understood exactly why, how, or when I started. It just seems to have happened to me, and now I probably couldn't shrug it off, even if I wanted. I went running one day, and the next, and the next, and the next, and before I knew it, from 5 minutes I had started running about 15, then 20, then 30.

Pre-run at Vasant Vatika

Now, after having run my first half-marathon, I think (and hope) I've reached the point of no return. Never in my life did I think I'd spend a little over two and a half hours running. It seemed like the most pointless thing one could do, back in April. We're now in October, and I'm plotting my next big run.

The wonderful thing about this new found passion, is the effect it has on your life, even off the track. The dusty old film that tainted my vision disappeared, and I can see crystal clear, and miles ahead. Not just clearer, but better, brighter, and under a positive light. I am more focused, I know what I want to do, and I am more accepting of where I am. I appreciate myself, and everything and everyone around me. In short, I've become just a little bit more cheesy.

At Lodi with the geese post run

Running has made me meet amazing people, who've helped me and encouraged me, and convinced me to do what I never thought I would. I now try to do the same for the people I know. You've got nothing to prove to anyone. You do it for yourself, to feel good. There is no such thing as being bad, or good, or mediocre. You can never disappoint yourself, and certainly not anybody else. 

Early morning heading to Jahanpanah City Forest

Really, there is no reason to do anything that you do. Sometimes if you're lucky you stumble upon the thing that's meant for you, and it stays with you from then on. Which is what Noel Carroll, a runner from the 60's said when he was asked why he runs. "If people were possessed by reason, running marathons would not work, But we are not creatures of reason. We are creatures of passion."