I was in the middle of writing another math post when I came across a “tok” on my phone (OK, a YouTube short). Mississippi State University has a young track and cross country runner named Louise Stonham who keeps randomly showing up on my feed. Today, I realized that we are kindred spirits.

Ok, so well over four decades ago, I was a D1 athlete. I have a letter and a mug somewhere in my house to prove it. For the last several weeks, it has been apparent to me that Ms. Stonham is very proud of her status as a D1 athlete, as she should be. It is a big deal. Not everyone can claim such an honor.

I always smile when she shows up on my phone, dancing and bouncing around like a promising young person with her entire life in front of her. What a joy she is. Today I saw something a little different.

Her latest post shows her running on the track. I am guessing it is a 10k race. The caption reads “When the hardest part of running isn’t the running itself… It’s battling the voice in your head.”

Truer words have never been spoken. I never have trouble getting out to run, the problem always comes when I am out there and the voice, that substantial and inevitable voice, tells me to slow down or cut the workout short. It happens all the time to me now, just as it has for decades.

I usually run 5 miles a day. Today, I gave in to the voice and stopped after 4 miles. “Stop…slow down…you have been running too hard…you are old…you don’t want to get hurt…you should have taken a day off…” You get it. This happens to me almost every day.

I just want to thank Ms. Stonham for letting me know I am not alone in my battle with myself. This is the first time I have ever heard another runner talk about this issue, a problem that has plagued me throughout my life.

Well, young lady, I am rooting for you. As I sit here in mythical Iriquois County, Ohio, I only wish you fulfillment and happiness. Do your best to never lose your joy for running or your passion for life. You are an inspiration. And, good grief, whatever happens, do not stop posting!