This old writer’s tale is about “but first” distractions. It applies to running too. And all procrastinating.

Big writing project ahead. Where to begin? Well, first, let’s get everything organized. Clean off the desk. Pay the bills. Everything ready? I better sharpen these pencils. Let’s see, where’s the pencil sharpener? Where’s the battery for the pencil sharpener? Oops, I think there are more pencils in the other room. I wonder if the neighbors have any pencils that need to be sharpened. There! All the pencils are sharp.

Better check the e-mail. I’ll get a cup of coffee while the computer boots up. Coffee anyone? I better make a pot. Was that the mailman? I wonder if he’d like a cup of coffee. Oh well, he’s gone. Now I can let the dog out. Oh, poor puppy, do you need to go to the park? Where’s your leash? Well, get in the car. We have to go get you a new leash. Groceries? As long as we’re going, where is the list? I better start a list.

Oh shut up! Start writing. Right! But first the dog park. Writing or running! They are the same when it comes to distractions. Don’t let it happen to you!