23 September 2008

The Tortoise and the Hare

This year, the weather has seemed to change by the calendar. Yesterday was the first day of fall, and it rained. And you know what I have to say to that? Bring it on. Last winter was so long, that I didn't even get used to warm, summer weather. It snowed in June, for goodness' sake.

Anyway, despite the cold air last night, Cody and I went out for an evening run. I guess I should qualify that better. Cody went for a run, and I went for a sprint.

When we were in Hawaii, I was reminded on a daily basis how much farther he can walk in one step than I can. The length of his stride and lack of length in my own was especially apparent on our hike to and from Hanauma Bay.

Last night's run was about two miles. I was able to keep up with him for the first half. On the second leg, however, he really put some distance between us.

Then, in true "The Tortoise and the Hare" form, Cody stopped to take a nap (I mean walk) while I continued at my pace for the rest of the run.

Naturally, I thought I had the race in the bag. (I've always been a believer in Aesop's morals.) Then, one block from home, I heard a runner approaching from behind. Cody, wanting to dispell all belief in Aesop's fables, beat me, the tortoise, in the last Provo block of the race.

The only thing keeping the original fable alive is the dissimilarity between Cody and the hare, and myself and the tortoise. Tonight's race was more like a race between a giraffe and a donkey. A quick Google search has revealed that a giraffe's top speed is about 37 miles per hour. Another quick Google search has found that nobody cares how fast a donkey can run.

7 comments:

Diane said...

You've always been a runner. I remember taking you to the track at the high school when dad and I would walk it. You would run and run and run without ever getting tired. Why oh why are all my kids such good runners and I can barely walk 3 miles. Tell me...why!

That's funny that you say Cody went for a run and you went for a sprint! Do people seriously not care how fast a donkey can run????

Tina said...

That is so how I feel with my husband. When he is walking, I am jogging because one of his steps is almost 2 of mine. Good exercise to have tall friends, spouses. Wish it was really helping my enlarged posterior problem though.....hehehe

Starla said...

Who is Grandma Hand? I discovered her blog today and your picture was on it. She and her little husband are ADORABLE.

Unknown said...

You are so funny. I'm picturing a donkey running in my head right now....eee-awwww!

Missy said...

Aesop's fables still live, he has to actually take a nap for it to work though. You'd think more people would want to know how fast donkeys can run. That's a shame... Your story reminds me of that movie... crap, what was the name of it? Three childhood friends in the wilderness trying to find lost treasure... dang it all. No matter. They come across a bear. One guy starts taking off his shoes and the shortest one says "Do you really think taking off your shoes is gonna help you out-run a bear?!" to which the other replies "I don't have to out-run a bear, I just have to out-run you." I guess what I'm saying is, so long as you and your friend never come across any bears (or other animals that can and will eat you) you should be ok. Plus, you're probably in better shape than your buddy. Could he sprint as far and long as you did? Ah ha! Having short legs and many other disadvantages myself, I've learned to look at the positives. He he.

Kimberly said...

I always knew you were an ass! That is a pain in the ass!

Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here!

Marie said...

That'll do Donkey, that'll do.