Vader, iPods, and Humility
"You have failed me for the last time, iPod Shuffle!" And with that I sent it flying up the road ahead of me.
Nancy looked back from her bike, somewhat inquisitive as if to say, did you really just toss away a hundred dollar music player.
I kept running and removing the various iPod accessories; the lanyard and frayed iPod headphones. I was going to give them the toss as well but quickly realized that it was not the most environmentally friendly thing to do. I waited until I was going past the house and then abandoned the items.
Short of three miles Nancy pulled up along side. I could feel her staring at me. I'm not sure if she was looking for a response from me about my behavior or if she was just conducting some type of behavior analysis observation. I continued with my run, looked straight ahead, and listened to my footfalls on the pavement. She eventually fell back.
When my run was over, she got off here bike and we walked the half-mile back to the start of the trail. She asked about what the poor, innocent iPod had done. Feeling a little embarrassed by my actions, I explained how this was third time it had failed me while I was in the middle of a run and as such its life had to end. Being the professional runner that I am, I couldn't afford having it happen again. Yeah right!
Once we got back to the house and I began my post-run stretching, I mentioned how my run was just littered with problems. My new running hat wasn't fitting right and thus was getting sweat in my eyes, the iPod Shuffle gave up the ghost, and I screwed up my split by hitting the wrong button on my watch at mile marker three.
Nancy in a sarcastic but I love you tone said, "You really have some big problems. I'm surprised you're able to go on living." And then quickly followed up with something about kids in China not having hats or iPods.
I finished stretching and we headed into the house to have another one of our late evening meals.
Afterwards, I thought about this moment and realized what it is that I love about Nancy and mine's relationship. Over the years she has made me more grounded and reflective of my actions in general. That's not to say I don't fall of the horse once in awhile but I truly care about her opinon of me and as such it makes me want to be a better man. Thanks babe!