“If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!” -Rudyard Kipling
I used to work with a guy who claimed to have run a mile in 3 minutes. We were at a work function one evening when the conversation turned to athletics, and for the umpteenth time the coworker brought his mile time up. “Is it possible it was a half mile and not a mile?” I asked him, politely. Because 3 minutes for a mile is impossible. His response was to double down.
“Nope, definitely a mile. Listen, I was fast! And that was only in gym class. But the coach hated me so I never joined the team.”
How does one respond to such a lack of critical thought? I admired his self-belief and unwavering confidence. Imagine, though, if it were a degree or work experience he was falsely claiming. Things would of course be different–he’d have to show proof or risk losing his job. I’ll admit a part of me would enjoy witnessing such a thing. Imagine having to attempt a mile at the claimed pace, with the boss and employees track-side watching, job on the the line — a fitting punishment, in my opinion, for violating the runner’s code of honor.
Continue reading “When the Chickens Roost, Part 1: A Transcontinental Run” →