Half Tweet

Tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 13th, I’ll be tweeting my run, walk, stumble and crawl of Murfreesboro, Tennessee's 13.1 run that's quaintly called the Middle Half. I will be tweeting in medias race. 

I want to warn my eclectic group of twitter followers (from family and friends to advertising aficionados and an Australian online bridal store) because they may not be interested in my mental musings as I tweet every mile of my journey. 

All of this, of course, begs the question why would a 54-year-old runner broadcast his struggle to traverse this distance?  

Well, I'm not sure.  But here are some possible reasons:

1.  Nowadays, nothing really happens unless it's recorded on the net.  I live in a time when all of life's experiences are somehow more satisfying when rendered in 140 characters.  It's a form of poetics whose measure was determined by programmers.  A sort of high-tech haiku.

2.  It will serve as proof that I’m actually doing a half marathon.

3.  Provided I finish the race, it will serve as proof that as well.

4.  It underscores my philosophy that getting a good time running means having a good time running.

5.  To preserve this historic Eddy undertaking for Eddys yet unborn.

6.  Because it’s more interesting than tweeting what I happen to be eating at any given moment.

7.  And, perhaps, the main reason I'll be tweeting each mile of the race:  It may save my life.  It's an excuse to stop every mile and catch my breath.

My personal goal for this year's Middle Half is 13.1 miles, 2,380 characters (17 tweets at 140 characters each), 10 pics, six water breaks, half dozen Krispy Kreme donuts, all under 3 and a half hours.  I believe this will be a record.

First step

This is about walking. Literally and figuratively. I mean for walking to be a metaphor, a means of transportation and a way of living. You'll have to sort it out for yourself.

Mainly it's a record of my days.  A journey made not for myself but for my children, their children and Eddys yet unborn. Those who will continue the walk I've started here.

So why do I walk? 

Because there are certain things that can’t be seen from the climate-controlled capsule of car.

Because he could have flown, teleported, ascended or rode a fiery chariot or talking ass, but Jesus walked.

Because there are really wonderful plays that a car can't get to by you can when you walk.

Because the fastest way isn’t always the best way.

 

Just for the joy of having people stop and ask me if I would like a ride and then seeing their face when I say, "No thank you."  Hey, I live in a part of the country were people drive to work even if they live across the street.  If you ride a bike or walk anywhere of any distance, people look at you with pity.  Some with guilty derision.

Because it’s low impact…to you and the world around you.  It’s amazing how far you can go on a banana and what you can walk up on when you move so quietly.

Because gorp is cheaper than gas.

Because it’s unexpected.

 

Because you will continually amaze yourself at just how far you can go.

Lord knows.