The D.I.
Midway through a long, character-building mountain run with my wife today (1250 foot elevation gain), I came up with a new nickname for her.
I wanted something that characterized how hard she pushes me on these long runs, but did not imply or seem to condone human-rights violations (her clearly stated requirement).
I came up with “the D.I.”, which could mean “Darling India,” but also stands for “the Drill Instructor.” No shouting, or drop-and-give-me-20, just relentless, good-humored, supportive running or biking far and fast. She celebrates the climbs, embraces the distances, and makes it look easy. She is a little slow on the downhills on the bike, but crushes the flats and uphills. I can’t even remotely keep up.
My brain may be starting to atrophy from not working, but at least I am getting to run and bike a lot.