4.5

Who ran 4 1/2 miles at 8:55 minutes a mile this morning?

This guy, that’s who.

Since the first time I ran a mile (as an adult) was in 2007, and it took me about seventeen minutes, I would say that is progress. Yes, they all laughed at me, but who is laughing now? I am laughing, that is who!

Er…actually, no one laughed. In 2007 I was 6 foot 2 inches, 330 pounds, and hadn’t shaved for three or four months. And here is the truth: if you are a 6 foot 2 inch, 330 pound man who hasn’t shaved in three or four months, people generally do not laugh at you. Because they are afraid of you. Possibly that you might eat them, but they are still afraid. (Especially if, like me, you have the piercing blue gaze of a Conan of Cimmeria or a Jack Reacher.)

So, no one laughed. But if anyone had laughed, I would be the one who is laughing now!

-JM