Pace.

"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." 

- Abraham Lincoln

Photo Cred: Katherine Cresto

The whole "one day at a time" bit is difficult for those of us who love instant gratification to fully grasp. I am not a patient person, I know this to be one of my faults. There is a lot that I want from life, the world, the mall and the gym, and I would like it now. 

I have never been a "pace" person, until half-marathon training forced me to do so.  In that case, it doesn't take long to realize that the first sprint that empties your tank before 1/4th of your race is over, probably wasn't such a good idea. Getting my pace to where I want is a constant challenge for me.

The Marine Corps Marathon is this weekend, and to me running 26.2 miles is SO damn impressive. I know a few people running it, one of them quite well actually.

Good luck and huge props to ALL of the runners Sunday, I am cheering you on!

Myself & some guy who is running the MCM that I have
a crush on...This was NYC 2013 the day after he ran
the marathon there.

In training for a marathon or a half marathon, pace is a HUGE thing. Figuring it out is tricky, takes work, takes time and patience. This I've found to be applicable to a lot of the things I am working to do in my life, none of which offer instant gratification.

As I continue to "grow up" my endeavors and goals become more extravagant, material things I want are more expensive and my expectations of myself and my relationships have sky rocketed. This is a part of the natural progression (I think) and it's a good thing. 

• I'm learning my potential and I'm anxious to use it. I now know theres a great big world out there, that I am compelled to explore and change for the better. 
• Trendy stuff isn't as appealing to me anymore; I deem looking and feeling good in a pair of really nice jeans to be a necessity along with a reliable vehicle and a "homey living space.
• Quality over quantity has  proven true in regards to relationships. I've realized that cutting the bullshit and fair weather folks gives you a bigger appreciation for the truly genuine people in your life. No relationship should ever be forced, rushed or settled for, if it is it's probably not worth it. 

All of this sounds fine and dandy right? Even adult-like? Well yeah, it is, but it's certainly all easier said than done. None of what I mentioned above happens instantly, without work, time and emotion in figuring out how the hell to do it. The light bulbs will come on gradually when something needs to change or improve, but specifically how, when and what to do is left for us to figure out. The most important part I think, is to determine your pace in doing so. One that is both reasonable and realistic, and then sticking to it. All the awhile understanding the importance of it's existence and being patient with results. My Dad always says, "if you do the right thing, the right thing will happen", it just doesn't always (almost never, actually) happens as quickly as we want it to.

I'm NOT saying timeline out every endeavor, absolutely not. What I'm saying is that we must understand that bigger changes, improvements and life transitions take time and need to be done at a pace. You can't rush anything without expecting to have to do it all over again, and with grown up stuff,  thats pretty scary. We can't treat life as fad diet, a get rich quick scheme, a dash down the aisle or a hop scotch game from job to job/place to place.

It's not a sprint, theres not one finish line there about one million throughout the course of our lives.

We need to pace for it.