Tough like jerky: A lesson in perspective

For the first time in a long time, I tried to run home from work. I had my backpack on, which is always a bit discouraging, but I didn't let that stop me. It was a little cold, but I didn't let that stop me. I was cruising up the hill, dodging the foot traffic for about four miles. Then I got tired and I got cold. I fought with myself for a little while, but responded to the siren song when a bus rolled by. I hopped on and found a seat.

Lost in slightly dejected thought, a woman called out to me. I turned my head and gave her a confused look. If I knew her, I had no idea where we could have met. My brain was clicking away, when she called again. "I saw you way back there. You ran far."

"I wore out," I replied as a slight smile crept into my words.

"You did good," she said. "That's a long way."

"It is," I said. I meant, "Thank you."