The First Mile: Learning Patience in New Pursuits

I’ve recently been forced into being a cross-country participant. One quick look at me should invoke a lot of questions that begin with “why.”

But when you love someone, you take on their hobbies.

Now that our son Finn has started middle school, he’s training in hopes of representing his school in the glorious sport of intermediate-distance running. I needed to add some cardio to my workout regimen, and this seemed like a good idea to do something with my son (emphasis on seemed).

A Lesson in Communication

This new venture didn’t start by chance. Once the coach introduced his training schedule, I woke up the following Saturday and greeted Finn, who was sitting on the living room couch.

He followed his return greeting by letting me know that he’d already been on a run.

My feelings were a mix of pride and concern. I asked him, “Where?” and he responded, “Outside.”

Outside was a valid response to my question, because running can be done either inside or outside. But knowing we don’t have a treadmill, I had already arrived at that conclusion.

Working hard not to crush his initiative, I encouraged him to let us know next time. From that, he pointed to a note on the counter that read: “Went for a run – Finn.”

The note did communicate a lot, but as a parent, it felt like it lacked several details.

So, along with running, we’ve added the benefits of detailed and timely communication because, as you know, clarity is kindness.

The Way a Young Mind Works

On one of our recent runs through our neighborhood, Finn spotted an upside-down American flag that one of our neighbors was flying.

In between breaths, he asked if they knew it was not flying upside down.

I explained as best I could, not being a great conversationalist while running, that it was most likely communicating their opinion that the country was in distress or danger, and their disagreement with how we were being led. I figured this to be the case when I noticed they started flying their flag that way once the most recent administration entered office.

His response to my explanation led to an unexpected question:

“Then how does Jamaica show they’re in trouble? You know, because the flag is symmetrical.”

Honestly, I was taken aback and almost had to stop running to process how he thought of that so quickly.

It was just so simple and matter-of-fact that I had to take a personal moment to appreciate the beauty of the way his mind works.

One of the wonderful things about youth is that everything is not packed with stories or opinions; every moment is open with opportunity for wondering.

The First Mile Gets Easier

But now that we have shaken off the new in this joint venture—albeit with different goals—he’s noticed that while running the longer distance is still difficult, the first mile has gotten easier.

Which got me thinking: Have I told him how difficult the first mile in most things can be?

It’s a challenge.

I don’t give myself enough mental preparation or time to shake off the new when starting out in a new craft. I know this is the truth, but I can be unforgiving.

By the looks of it, running and walking are similar, but as we know, looks can be deceiving. So even though something may be adjacent to the familiar, there’s no substitute for time and patience with a new pursuit.

More Than a Run

Honestly, my initial goals starting out were to spend some time with my son, maybe solidify in his memory that there was a time in his youth I could beat him in a foot race before that chapter comes to a close, and maintain some heart health as an added benefit.

But as is true for most things, because I’m forced not to fill the time with my own voice, being shoulder to shoulder with someone I love, I’m getting to learn more about him, myself, and God’s creation.

September 2026