I received an invitation today to go to lunch on behalf of the local hospital. They are in the process of trying to recruit a new Physical Therapist, and apparently they are hard to find/in high demand. This young guy, straight out of college, is being interviewed / wooed by our local hospital. When you live in a town of 7500, you need to woo people for all sorts of HIGH NEED positions.
So anyway, I was asked to attend the lunch for two reasons: 1. I am a local high school principal (and apparently this position holds some weight - although I find that hard to believe), 2. The young man in question is somewhat of an outdoor sports kind of guy (like biking, hiking, etc.) and I have some background in this area....being one of the FEW people around here who actually run.
During the course of the lunch small talk was maintained. Eight people sitting around the table throwing out reasons why our community is a nice place to live, work, and raise a family - and ALL of the reasons given were accurate. The bulk of the conversation was centered around things this 25 year old would find interesting.
At some point during our conversation, I was asked if there was a gym where one might work out. I replied that we had two local establishments, and that I actually belong to one so I can lift weights or run on the treadmill when the weather gets below 15 or 20 degrees. Our guest responded, in jest, "you are a fair weather runner", and before I could come back with a snappy retort.....three people at the table, two of which I really do not know chimed in.
In essence their comments were - he is the crazy guy I see running in all weather - one made comments about my propensity to run in pouring rain, and another made the comment that I am the guy EVERYONE sees running in sleet and snow.
I guess, from their comments and expressions, that I am seen as a bit of an X Gamer or Extreme Athlete. I have never, ever, ever seen running as an extreme sport.....but apparently around here, if you do it in less than perfect weather, it is an extreme sport.
I guess you all will see me on the X Games next year.......two new events:
1. Extreme Rain Running
2. Ice Road Runners
40 miles on the HURT trails
-
*Subtitle: "Ooompf.......I'm okay!" (spoken often by FL while facefirst in
mud, rocks, or a running stream)
This weekend I hit a new milestone: 2 loops of...
3 hours ago
2 comments:
Ah yes, the neighbors that question your sanity. I have a few of them also. I try to think of it as inspiring them to join in on the fun.
So, I'm a bit late on this - did they offer him the job? More importantly, did he accept?
Growing up in a town of 1800 (well, I was in the country, but I digress) I know the importance of working to find a new Dr. The town just tried to hire a new one and were throwing some CRAZY awesome perks his way: 100k tuition reimbursement (25k per year x4 years) 150k salary, two paid flybacks to see his family in VA, 4 weeks of vacation.... crazy!
Post a Comment