Revising distance

I came up with a total distance of about sixteen miles. Or, as I recall saying, “About sixteen, maybe twenty.”
That afternoon we hit the beach at Fay Bainbridge State Park after covering more than 30 miles. The last couple of miles were a tough slog and we were both tired. I’ve always been impressed that Jason didn’t lose his cool at my lack of accuracy. Even more impressed that he went kayaking with me on other occasions after that… I noticed, however, that he always did his own trip planning from that point on.
I have gone back to the chart again and measured the route I actually traveled this past weekend and revised the distances. The first day, as it turns out, was a little more than 12 miles. The second was less than six.
Aside from keeping me honest, the big reason I always need to come back and measure the course is that miles only really matter when you’re telling the story. After the fact, mileage is a useful tool to understand the logistical elements of the route, but while I’m doing it, it couldn’t be less interesting.
How far do I have to go? Until I get there. When you’re doing it, that’s all that matters.