Melinda Morley

A RUNNING partner that is. (And if you must know, it’s a guy.)

I know. I know.

Several of you have offered to run with me. “Call me and we’ll run” you say. Or “Let me know, I’d love to go running with you.”

But, I never call. I never write. I never come to visit.

Well it’s not that I don’t like you, my fellow runners. Or that I wouldn’t want the company.

I just can’t seem to mix running with socializing. Because when I’m around people I have this STRANGE need to TALK to them.

And I just can’t talk and run. I’m not only out of shape, but I need time to think. To be ALONE with my thoughts. (And my leg cramps and my sweat. You know.)

That’s why my runner partner is so great.

He never talks: There is no need for senseless banter. Or witty remarks.

He’s not faster than me: unless I give him permission to be. I’m not embarrassed about slowing him down. In fact most of the time I kick his trash. It’s very gratifying. (I don’t think I could outrun anyone else at this point.)

He’s fatter than me: No need to feel self-conscious about my butt or anything. He has one of those unassuming, expressionless faces. The kind that always make everyone else around them look good.

He doesn’t sweat and stink. In fact, he’s quite pleasant to be around. (That rules out my husband.)

And the best part is that my husband doesn’t care a bit. In fact, he likes my running partner. I think he’d probably like to borrow him sometime.

Oh, and my partner has an excellent memory and sense of direction. I could never get lost with him around.

No commitment. And if he gets on my nerves. I can shut him down.

He also keeps track of the state of my heart–not an easy thing for a guy to do.

I’ve named him Garmin.

He fits nicely on my wrist.

I think it’s a perfect match. I love you, Garmin. (Don’t tell Cowboy. It’s our little secret. Mainly because you can’t talk!)

PS- In case you are wondering, there is a virtual partner feature and a little guy runs along side of you on the screen. You set his pace and then try to stay ahead of him. I love it.