Tai Chi

If you have ever been to the Boulevard, then you must know Tai Chi. While you may not refer to him as Tai Chi, you should. Because clearly I am talking about the gentleman who does Tai Chi...All. Day. Long.  I have talked to several people about him. I am sure it is only a matter of time before I find someone who knows his story. Russ and I like to believe he is there by choice. How sweet would that be? Actually, no matter what, he IS there by choice. And I am sure he understands The Now better than anyone I know. The man is actually pretty hot. For an older guy. Perfect tan from being outside all day every day. And ripped. Because he is doing Tai Chi all day. Plus I have seen him running a couple of times and his stride is perfection.

Last summer Christine started the formal acknowledgment of Tai Chi. By exchanging a smile with him. Russ was next. While marathon training this past fall and winter, he put in miles and miles and miles at the Boulevard. He and Tai Chi started waving to each other. When Russ pops in for a run now, Tai Chi waves as soon as Russ comes into view.

Tai Chi does not acknowledge everyone. I am not saying that if someone initiated a wave, that he wouldn't wave back--but he most certainly does not wave to every person (that would be tedious after all and would hinder his Tai Chi practice).

Today I hit the Boulevard for an 11 mile long run. With one goal in mind. To finally connect with Tai Chi. First loop around we saw each other, I gave a half smile. (I have to note here that at the time he was in an amazingly perfect up-dog. Like text book. But then he started doing lower body push ups i the position. Like kind of humping the ground. It muse be a killer move for your tris but it did scare me a bit).  Second lap around, he wasn't there. I was heart broken. But at the same time knew that it might take more than two loops to catch his full attention.

As I rounded the bend of my final loop, I could see he was at his station. I strode by...he gave me a huge smile and a wave. And a boost of energy. It had been a good run, I was feeling great throughout and was averaging a comfortable 9:30. But that last mile was a 9:05. Thanks to Tai Chi.

If you know anything about Tai Chi (the person, not the art)--please share with me.