Today’s run: 5.8 miles, 1:03. YT: 123.6. So-so run that became good halfway through. In the park I saw a tall, thin man wearing a Miss Piggy-style wig and a tan hoodie, hood up. He was being filmed with a small camera phone by a dapper, petite gentleman in a black jacket and pinstriped pants. For no reason whatsoever, I decided they must be British.

As AA is to God, so My Thousand Mile Year is to running. That is, you can substitute “running” for your own personal thrill when you read this blog. You can also read it while drinking wine, a big plus over AA.

The reason I’m so hot over running is that it brings a particular physical and mental high that I enjoy. But also because it’s a great metaphor for life. You plan your run, you run it, you push yourself, you slack, you stumble, you leap. And eventually you return to where you started. It doesn’t mean anything at all in the grand scheme of the universe, or even to the people who live next door to you. But it means something to you. And if you’re lucky, to the small circle of people who care how much air you breathe every passing day, and whether it tastes good.

I feel like giving someone a hug.

So: If you’re not a runner, and you’re reading this blog, what activity makes YOUR heart go pitter-patter and why?