Palin Running & Not

Each issue of ‘Runner’s World‘ magazine, a read I’ve been enjoying since taking up running again a year ago, ends with an interview with a generally well-known figure; athletes, actors, politicians and such. These interviews are called ‘I’m A Runner‘, and I enjoy reading them and learning of this lifestyle that I’ve embraced and have in common with these individuals.

This week, the August issue of Runner’s World came out, and the subject of the ‘I’m a Runner’ interview was Sara Palin. I enjoyed the interview and was impressed to learn of her having run a sub 4-hour marathon, or that she will still venture out to run in 20-below temperatures (although this reinforces my belief that she is also bat-shit crazy).

The interview made some minor buzz, because in it she claimed she could beat Obama in a race due to her higher endurance. A soft political jab at worst that got mentioned at the next briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. Maybe she could, it doesn’t matter. I’m still glad to have a bodysurfer (and smart person) in the White House.

But despite political differences, the interview reminded me that their are things that can connect us despite our differences; political, religious, or whatever. I wouldn’t want to join her on a run, because according to her interview, she prefers to run as a solitary activity, as do I most of the time. I had a similar reaction recently when I found I had a new Twitter follower. A look at her profile showed her to be a Communications Director of an county-level GOP party in Indiana. So why would she have any interest in my occasional Dem rants? A closer look showed she was a Cubs fan, and that was likely the connection that led her to me. Hobbies, sports, music, alma maters… all provide reasons to sometimes ignore a larger difference (for a moment at least), and recognize these things we do have in common.

Don’t get me wrong. Politically, I loathe Sarah Palin. Her selection as McCain’s running mate was a desperate, but doomed attempt to change the dynamics of the race. Over the course of the campaign, she repeatedly demonstrated herself to be clueless on the issues, and little more than an attractive and expensively dressed windbag shouting nonsense about Obama ‘pal-ing around with terrorists’. But I enjoyed learning she’s a runner, and admire her stated appreciation and ability at the sport.

An hour ago, news broke that Palin has announced she will resign her position of Governor of Alaska by the end of this month, and won’t be seeking re-election in 2010. Many speculate that she is doing so in anticipation of running for President in 2012. She would be not running for Governor in 2010, to allow her to run for President in 2012. That will be worth quite a few laughs in the years to come.

So keep on running Sarah. When for office, I’ll oppose. But when for the joy and exercise of the activity itself, I wish you the best. Break a leg! 🙂