Webster on the Run

It happened somewhere around mile two. We were sidestepping patches of black ice running into a blinding winter sun. At below freezing the going was slow, but being it the first long, steady run of 2011, it was feeling good. Challenging, but good.

There has got to be a word for it, I thought aloud.

Word for what, replied my intrepid running mate.

A word that contains all the elements of success.

Victory?

No, that is not what I mean, that is an outcome, albeit a pleasant one, but I am thinking more of a word that encompasses all the training, hard work, dedication, commitment, sacrifice, effort and vision that we go through to get to where we are going, or trying to go.

Or wanting to go.

It also needs to address the issue of gratitude.

In what way?

In the way that we need to be thankful and pleased that we have made it to here, this very moment, this mile, at this very point on our journey towards fitness, good health, contentment, and understanding. Even if there isn't a reward other than merely doing what our bodies know to be beneficial.

It's that tenth place thing again, right?

Yes, partialy so. The word implies that although we are pleased with finishing tenth, after an entire year of hard work and focused training, that we now have our sights on seventh place.

A past to future continuum? Progress.

Exactly. It also contains the ingredients necessary to accomplish the new objective.

Like running in the cold?

That and motivation, discipline, presence, mental toughness, gumption, the acumen involved with proper rest and recovery…

And good dietary habits.

And stress management.

And speed work.

And hill repeats.

And enjoying the ride.

Yes. All that.

In one word.

Yes, and not hyphenated or Latin.

I don't think that word exists in the English language.

Then we need to invent it.

Miles pass under the crackling of ice and the groan of piriformi now soft with Holiday neglect. It has been thirty days since our last long run, and that was a race.

Yes, time to start the New Year with a fresh head of steam and a mantra that sums up all that this is and all that this means.

It's going to be a long word. Kinda like this painful run.

Indeed.

I got it.

Chronogratimoerganomic. Chrono for the time spent in training, past and to come, grati meaning with the appropriate gratitude in the knowledge that we are able to do this (and recognize the value) mo for the mojo and motivation necessary to fight the good fight, ergo meaning the work ethic we bring to the show, and anatomical being the combination of connected elements, parts and associated and requisite ligaments, tendons and attitudes.

Chrono-gratimo-erganomic. n. pl. -nomicies. adj. -nomical. The ability to enjoy the training process without added emphasis or importance on the outcome. Found predominantly in Kenyan and Japanese athletes and considered rare in the United States.

I like it.

Me too.

Watch out for that ice.