After Noguchi

Today after work, Liz and I both had runs to do. Usually, we have separate routes… but today, we decided to run together – something we haven’t done in, well… years.

I attempted running a lot, many years back, using the Couch to 5K app/approach. Something that I was never taught: how to start off, and how to try running slowly.

Most of the time, I’d just start running at a decent clip… and get frustrated because I’d lose energy and not be able to continue.

Starting easy, starting slowly. This was a game changer for me, and allowed me to comfortably build endurance and stamina.

I’m still hesitant to run with others, because I feel that I’m still really slow. And I also have a concern that, around others, I’ll be tempted to compare myself or push myself to match someone else’s pace.

The thing about running – it’s ultimately a personal sport. Yes, there are other runners. And yes, everyone else has their own pace and goals. But at its core, running is about the goals and milestones you set for yourself.

Today with Liz, I had worries that I’d end up comparing too much. That her pace would make me push myself faster than I wanted, and would ultimately make me frustrated I couldn’t keep up. I realized this fear has nothing to do with other people, and everything to do with whether or not I focused on myself (instead of others).

We started off at a faster clip than I was comfortable with, and I fell back a bit. Liz told me later that she always starts off too quickly… so after about 10 minutes, we got into a decent rhythm that was comfortable for both of us.

We were near MSI, and stopped at a water fountain. It had two spigots, with both spouts set with a steady stream of water. The larger fountain caught my eye, as it was full to the brim… and had just enough water to overflow. With a thin shimmer of water, running down the sides.

I was reminded of a poem by Helen. T. Glenn called Noguchi’s Fountain. On reading it, it prompted me to look up the artist Noguchi… and I learned soon after that we had of his fountains at the Art Institute.

My memory of the artist and the poem was one of motion and stillness. Of water and tension, perfectly balanced, with just enough unbalance to overflow. Here’s what I saw:

A fun little encounter. I’m not someone well versed in art or sculpture, but I laughed at the bougie and pretentious reaction I had, on stumbling across this water fountain. “Oh, it reminds of me of Noguchi.”

I like that we encountered this kind of budget, discount Noguchi fountain along the way.1

For the rest of our run, we kept pace pretty well… and it wasn’t forced. We made good time, but were pretty comfortable overall.

Towards the end, I split off a bit early (I was only running 5K, while Liz was running 5 miles).

All in all, a positive experience. I can see the draw to running with others, but I think I need to get my pace a little stronger, a little faster.

Still, running with a partner (and with my partner) was a fun change of pace. Especially since we got to see a little artwork along the way.

Related:
The Mystery of the Dry Noguchi Fountain, Located Outside the Art Institute of Chicago
Noguchi’s Fountain
Photographs of the Art Institute, Taken 119 Years Apart (1893 – 2012)
Lunch with Liz, Fountain at the Art Institute
I Propose Marriage and Liz Says Yes: We’re Engaged!