In which I don't think I'm invincible

1.
From Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance:

So the thing to do when working on a motorcycle, as in any other task, is to cultivate the peace of mind which does not separate one's self from one's surroundings. When that is done successfully then everything else follows naturally. Peace of mind produces right values, right values produce right thoughts. Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at he center of it all.

2.
On Sunday, I started a Lydiard-based training program leading to the OUC Half in December. Sunday's run was the long one for the week, and while the running itself wasn't difficult, the heat and/or humidity made things extremely hard. About seven and a half miles into the nearly ten, I was wondering a little bit if I was going to make it.

But of course, I did.

3.
I say "of course" not because I think I'm invincible. Only because if I didn't make it, I obviously wouldn't be writing this.

4.
In fact, I often tell the runners I coach that we're all only one bad step away from disaster: holes, cars, rocks, and everything we can't predict.

5
I also tell them, "I love hills. Hills are speed work in disguise."

6.
It's my brother and sister-in-law's anniversary today. Just think, only a year ago, we were in tuxedos trying to ignore the impulse to wipe away the sweat or swat at the swarming gnats.

He had a class this morning, but I hope they're spending the rest of the day doing something much more enjoyable.

7.
In other news, it's the last week of summer school. After this week, I'll have a little bit of time off. I'm ready for it.