I think about a lot of things while running . . .“What shall I make for dinner?” “Did I wear deodorant this morning?” “Will my next Peet’s coffee order arrive before I run out?” “Why are the mail boxes in some parts of Boise so much larger than others . . . do the people that live in the houses associated with these mailboxes generally get bigger mail?” On the list of things I love about running, experiencing random thoughts (such as the above) probably come/comes in second place to actually being done running. That, perhaps, is a confession and conundrum all in one . . . especially coming from someone who married into the specialty running business. Confession: Often, my favorite part of a run is being done. Conundrum: Being done with a run can often be . . . well . . . fun.

I have never been concerned with my running pace . . . a/k/a s-l-o-w. Imagine the intimidation factor, then, upon meeting Mr. Harris and learning about his less than s-l-o-w running career/background. We agreed early on that when we ran/run together, that he would s-l-o-w down, and I would speed up. Confession: There has been more slowing down than speeding up. Fortunately, I do other things really well . . . I can drink more coffee (caffeinated of course), than he will ever be able to measure/match (s-l-o-w or otherwise); I can parallel park better than he can, and I’m pretty sure I could take him in a cow milking contest.

Confession: My running speed, or lack thereof, is perhaps one of the reasons I prefer to participate in non-local running events. If I do participate in a local event, I will try hard to opt out of the timing chip/device. Fortunately, we have a lot of younger kids in our house that I can easily argue a need to accompany. Trouble will ensue as they outgrow my pace (soon). Some of you know that the NYC Marathon is my favorite of all runs/events. Mr. Harris and I were married in NYC just prior (one day) to running the Marathon in 2008. We try to go back each year. I joke (sort of) that if you run/ran the Marathon too fast, you miss the true grandeur of the largest spectator sport in the world . . . not to mention the vast cultural experience. I am in disbelief every time Mr. Harris tells me he had his day of pace and personal bests. Conundrum: Fifth Avenue will always make me think of shopping. 5th Avenue will always remind Mr. Harris of the 5th Avenue Mile. The first year we ran the NYC Marathon together, Mr. Harris took off at Mile 6 and waited for/four hours at Mile 25 and ½ so we could finish together. Confession: I did not know whether to be mortified, or to feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Conclusion: I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Further Conclusion: At the end of the day/event, it can be about many things . . . speed, distance, a personal best, perseverance, a really great pair of running shoes or . . . a yellow bandanna!

Shannon Harris