‘Long Runs Really Give Me Time to Think,’ Says Man Who Spends Most of His Long Runs Thinking About Waffles
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A local man who says he “gets a lot of thinking done” on his weekly long runs spends most of that time thinking about waffles, Dumb Runner has learned.
Tom Forkner, 38, said that between his work schedule and an infant daughter at home, he doesn’t get much time to himself—until the weekend rolls around. That’s when the attorney and eight-time marathoner will log up to 20 miles, usually alone and on quiet roads or trails.
“That’s my ‘me time,’” Forkner said. “Just two or three hours, uninterrupted, to ruminate and reflect. I get a lot of thinking done on my long runs.”
“Mostly,” he added, “I think about the waffles I’ll eat when I’m done.”
“With butter and syrup,” he added. “Fresh berries. Whipped cream. With bacon. And a side of sausage.”
“Maybe a milkshake.”
Forkner said he sometimes tries to turn his attention to weightier matters, like family issues, current events, or perhaps a vexing challenge at work. But inevitably, he said, his thoughts return to waffles.
“Belgian waffles,” he said. “The big kind. Kind of crispy on the outside, but light and fluffy on the inside. Still hot from the waffle iron.”
“And maybe, instead of fresh berries, some warm berry compote.”
In fairness, said Forkner, he does occasionally mix it up.
“Sometimes,” he said, “I think about pancakes. With blueberries. Bacon. And a milkshake.”
