At the middle point of the month both my writing and running marathons are on pace. I have done better with the writing than the running. I crossed the 30,000 word mark a couple of days ago, and while the NaNoWriMo goal is 50,000 I suspect this novel is closer to 75,000 or more when it’s finished.
The running has been more challenging. When I ran the half marathon two years ago I was in a little bit better shape and carried five fewer pounds. Today is the final test. I either make the distance and keep competitive with my time from two years ago or I don’t.
That’s really the point about both activities. I write because I have stories in my head and I need to see them written. I run because it is an exercise I enjoy and it keeps me fitter than I would be if I didn’t. There really are no other consequences but having an event, something I must stay focused on each day for a period of time, helps me achieve both of my goals: getting stories written, and staying healthy. Most of us are procrastinators and even those who are generally self-motivated find it hard to meet deadlines. Imagine if Christmas were celebrated as the month of December. How many gifts would be exchanged on New Year’s Eve compared to December 1st?
Today I find out if I can finish the half marathon. Sometime next weekend I’ll probably ‘win’ NaNoWriMo. Without these events I would be a long way from both goals.
Kevin J. Fellows 