DEC 17TH 2022
It’s been about a year since my last online journal entry. December 31st 2021 I wrote my thoughts about what it meant to me to actively start running for a healthier lifestyle and what the physical activity would teach me on my journey as an artist.
As twelve months have gone by, I’ve run over 1,100 miles which included multiple half marathons, as well completing my first full marathon. For the avid runner I guess that’s a pretty good go for my first year. Throughout the year I’ve asked myself time and time again while out on the road, why? Why do I run? Why do I paint? How does running correlate with creating art? Many questions to myself over and over again.
Today I conclude that a large reason WHY I run is to hopefully attain longevity for living. For me to have the fortunate ability to physically paint is to feel alive. Our days are numbered and I want to strive to create as much art as long as possible. It is a never ending story.
Some people tend to think artists have a stereotype that they are erratic, drunk, and or wildly unpredictable. Over the years I feel that I have definitely acted in such ways. However, to be honest as I am nearly turning 40 (December 31st) I feel much more “boring”, and I am ok with being such that. I am ok with retiring for the evening early and rising before sunrise. I truly think it is rare to see an artist, or musician, other creators live such “wild” lives and continue it long term. An “average” person such as myself most likely just live out their days with a sense of quietness. The wildness of being human is still much alive within my mind. I do my best to funnel that energy out into my works of art.
What does that have to do with being an avid runner? The discipline of running has taught me to center my focus on what I want to achieve. This process has had many ups and downs very much like life, or just like creating a painting. Days you have the mental motivation, and physical strength to work hours on end. Then there are days it is the last thing you want to do. However, sitting down or getting out on the road even on the worst days is an accomplishment. All of it is a process. Most times the steps forward do not just come over night. I’ve had to endure many days running with a slow progression, much like what I go through with the work I do in painting. Days of pain that seem to never end, or days of low self esteem about myself and my work. I guess they call it the peaks and valleys. Doing my best to accept this slow process, I’ve learned the greater outcome in all we do is when we not only put in the work, but it’s the quality of work we put in during those moments. This is what running has taught me over twelve months, and it is what I will proceed to do for the longevity to continue to live my best life for as long as I can with the ambition to create the best work possible.
Cheers to a new year.
JM