My Relationship with Running

What’s your relationship with running?

By on September 12, 2014 | Comments
AJWs TaproomA couple weeks ago, when out to dinner with some friends, someone asked,
“So Andy, tell us, what is your relationship with running?” Um, well, that’s an interesting question…I totally bungled the answer and then we moved on with the evening but the question stuck with me as most good questions do.It lingered…

What is my relationship with running?

Well, on the good days it’s like a full-blown steamy love affair. You know, the kind you have when you’re sixteen. Everything is good, intense and right now. No worries about the past and no thoughts about the future. Just now!  All you want to do, all the time, every time.

Then, there are the times when it’s like a 25-year marriage. That tried and true I-know-what-you’re-thinking-before-you-even-say-it kind of relationship. The kind of relationship that knows what to expect and knows what is to be expected. It’s not flashy and it’s certainly not sexy but it’s there, day in and day out, always.  Kind of like the thing you’d only truly notice when it’s gone.

On occasion it’s like having a brother. You know, you call each other from time to time and occasionally get together to take in a ballgame or a happy hour but for the most part you are connected because you have the same mom and you like the same things. That, most of the time, is enough.  And, even if it’s not enough, you just deal with it.

There are those times the relationship is a bit mentor/mentee. You know, think “Tuesday’s With Morrie” or something like that. These are not the best days of the relationship but they do help you get through the bad days and give you the reason to get out again tomorrow. And, these tough times make the good times better. And heck, who ever really likes having a mentor anyway?

And then, at last, it’s like that “best friend” relationship. You know the one. The relationship that defies convention and resists definition. The relationship that persists 20 years after college graduation and the relationship that remembers little things about you, warts and all, from years and years of history. The relationship that helps you understand who you are and who you want to be. The relationship that makes you whole.

So, running, here’s to you!

My lover, spouse, brother, mentor, and friend.

Bottoms up!

AJW’s MonkeyBoy’s Beer of the Week
Boneyard Notorious IPA3As good friends are known to do, AJW and I have a tradition of text-bragging back and forth the details of good beers we are enjoying from time to time. This past weekend found myself in possession of a growler of locally brewed Notorious IPA3 from Boneyard to enjoy while following online my friends competing at Wasatch, Tahoe 200, and Superior 100. For anyone who has ever followed a race online, you know to sit back, be patient and enjoy, the same can be said for this very sessionable IPA. A strong double/imperial IPA, it has a good amber color, a clean pour, and a strong piney scent with a nice citrus finish. The flavors compliment the 90 IBU’s without tasting overly boozy. Notorious IPA3 is a good partner to have both as an apres long run beer or while hitting the refresh button on your computer checking in on our friends progress while keeping your own FOMO at bay.
Boneyard Notorious IPA3 is available locally and at select Taprooms on the West Coast. Be sure to check it out if you are heading into town next week for the Flagline 50K.
Call for Comments (from Bryon)
So, what’s your relationship with running?
Andy Jones-Wilkins

Andy Jones-Wilkins is an educator by day and has been the author of AJW’s Taproom at iRunFar for over 11 years. A veteran of over 190 ultramarathons, including 38 100-mile races, Andy has run some of the most well-known ultras in the United States. Of particular note are his 10 finishes at the Western States 100, which included 7 times finishing in the top 10. Andy lives with his wife, Shelly, and Josey, the dog, and is the proud parent of three sons, Carson, Logan, and Tully.