Usually I question myself when she asks for advice that seemingly I answer way too fast — like the time she asked me whether we had a goal for our running. I just said “six hours” without thinking what that meant.

Sometimes I wonder if she takes me too seriously, or if I’m not serious enough. Often, while marinating in the afterglow of such a quick reply, a kind of premature panic lasts a few days as I slowly convince myself that I’m not crazy. My answer to her question about running was a happy coincidence, although I wouldn’t say that it was premeditated.

Since last year, at nearly fifty, I ran more volume and longer distance than any of my previous years, I was already thinking about the future and how to expand on the experience. When a few years ago we watched a documentary about ultra-marathons, she asked me if it was something I would like to do. Back then of course I (immediately) said yes, yet at the time I never admitted to myself that I was capable of running even fifty miles.

But then she started running with me, and my mindset changed: why can’t we do it together?

The next two years should be interesting. After thinking about our long-term schedule I realized we will probably reach this first six-hour goal, but hopefully it won’t be the end. My plan is take whatever we bring into our lives to support getting there and continue on.

And maybe my swift thoughtlessness will end up changing our lives for the better? Check back in 2023.