Running late

I had a great run in the Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels the other day. It was early evening and I was running in unknown territory. I brought my GPS watch along so that I can find my way back, but I had a very limited sense of where I am and how far out I have run. The sun had already set and it started getting dark, especially in the woods. I began to worry about not getting back to my hotel in time for my meeting.

The mild pressure invigorated me. My watch told me the direction and distance of my starting point, but I had no idea about the routes. I also had no idea about the time. So I did all I could: run as fast as I can, as close to the right direction as I can.

It felt like flying. I passed other runners with ease. I jumped across small obstacles in the terrain. I climbed small hills fast. I wasn’t trying to prove anything to anyone, I just wanted to get back to my hotel in time.

Having a goal gives you wings. It also makes you enjoy the process of getting there.