This weekend has been a bit crazy, and when my notification to look at writing this newsletter was triggered on Friday, I was already at the border between South Africa and Botswana. Needless to say, this newsletter didn’t get the attention it deserves, but I still want to remain consistent and get one out.
Something that surprised me about this weekend was how cold it was. I pictured hot, sweltering African weather. I packed mosquito spray, summer clothes and one light jacket. Instead, it was windy, a little chilly and rained cats and dogs.
For some reason, the weather, my inadequate packing and my determination to still get a newsletter out despite my busy weekend reminded me of a running story.
I once had to stay over somewhere for one night and, as usual, I wanted to run the next morning. I also have this thing where I always try to go for a run whenever I visit a new place, almost as a matter of principle. It’s like a way of exploring that only runners can do.
However, when I got dressed for my run, I discovered that I had forgotten to pack my running tights.
I briefly considered my options.
Running outside in my underwear was obviously not one of them.
So I did what any dedicated runner would do: I put on my long pyjama bottoms and went for a run.
Were they ideal running attire? Absolutely not.
Did they do the job? Maybe not in the best way, but yes.
And because I was only staying over for one night, I knew I could simply throw them in the wash when I got home.
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t particularly comfortable. But I got my run done.
I still have to remind myself sometimes that perfection is the enemy of good enough.
Running is less about having everything perfectly organised and more about being willing to improvise.
And perhaps writing is the same.
Writing a newsletter is more about getting something out than sitting and reflecting and editing for hours, trying to make every sentence perfect.
Forgot your tights? Wear pyjamas.
Had a great weekend in Botswana and didn’t write your newsletter? Write about wearing pyjamas for your run.
Just don’t skip it.