So, I had this epiphany when I was running this morning (no, I haven't quit..and, I was actually running intervals this morning, so...despite my whining I'm still interested in running faster).

My epiphany was this: I've been setting running goals that are too lofty and then being upset with myself for not reaching them, right?

So, I got to think about the underlying reason for being so upset about not reaching goals I set. And, that, ultimately, is because I am a perfectionist. I succeed at most things that I do or I will die trying.

Sound familiar? I suspect many runners/athletes are of the type-A-perfectionist mold.

But, nobody is perfect. I am flawed. You are flawed. We are all flawed.

Suddenly it occurred to me that the quest for perfection is the ultimate unattainable goal.

And, yet, we run and run chasing after it -- or as close as we can get to it -- trying to achieve the unachievable.

As Oprah would say... Ah ha.