Enjoy every mile

Running has been a big part of my life. Though that hasn't always been the case.

I grew up playing more team-focused sports like basketball and baseball. As a naive 15-year-old, I was certain I would be the next Shawon Dunston or Chris Mullin. Then I quickly realized I didn't have a cannon arm nor the height or speed to make in pro ball.

A year in South America sparked my interest in soccer, though attempting to keep up with Brazilians was again a pipe dream. To stay in shape, I started running.

A competitive spark ignited

Upon returning to the U.S. for college, I stuck with it. Attending a small school allowed me to join the cross country and track teams. I was average, at best. Though my competitive nature was ignited.

As a freshman, there was one young guy who beat me in each race. I was determined to change this. And so the summer between my first and second year, I trained twice a day, logged mile after mile, and came back to quickly beat him and others the next year.

Still, I was average. But I experienced the "runners high" and was hooked. Heck, somehow, I was even the conference champ in the 5,000 meters one year (limited field, obviously).

After college, I moved up from five-mile races to marathoning and would run 15 in total, several times nearly qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Running became a way to stay active, but also a place to spur creativity and clear my mind. Through life's ups and downs, running was consistent. Rain or shine, snow or sub-zero temperatures, I ran.

Life's runs change. The experience doesn't

As I got older, my running changed. I've been blessed with a family, two young kids, an amazing wife. Career opportunities have opened so many doors.

The days of a 3-hour training run on a Saturday have morphed to morning gymnastics with the girls, and if I'm lucky, a few 3-milers during the week.

And yet when I can run, I cherish it.

I still feel the same sense of exuberance, calming, and creativity I once experienced doing 19-mile training runs. Now, it's a three-miler with my six-year-old riding the bike next to me.

It's magical, and many days, needed.

And I think, in many ways, running is a metaphor for our professional and personal journeys.

We each are in different miles and stages. Some of us are sprinters, out of the blocks to the next challenge as quickly as possible. If that's your gig, start strong and lean towards the tape.

Others are mid-distance runners, which require good speed and endurance but not the same burst needed for a 100-meter dash.

And still others are long-distant runners, logging mile after mile of training. Some miles are faster, some are slower, but each one is, well, different.

No matter what mile you're in, I hope you enjoy it.

I hope you appreciate the journey and moment in time. Sure, there are more miles to come, and maybe the mile you're in right now isn't the best. Maybe you're struggling with what's next? Or just don't have the burst you once did.

Maybe your miles and priorities have changed. It happens.

I would love to be able to crank out a 5-minute mile for 10 miles again. That's not happening anytime soon. But a good four-mile run right now at a slow pace is just what I often need.

Wherever you are in your race, appreciate it. Keep your eyes focused on the horizon. Listen to birds chirping on an early spring morning. And no matter what, keep moving.

It doesn't matter how fast you go, what matters is you go. So lace 'em up, hit the road, and enjoy your miles. You won't be disappointed.