Appreciating Real Running

Years ago, long before bad form, extra weight, and simply less-than-ideal physiology began to contribute to my leg problems, I often bemoaned running. I regularly skipped workouts or whined that they were too hard or too long or too wet or too something. But for the last two years, since tendonitis in my left leg has really sidelined me and impacted the quality and quantity of my runs, I miss it.

I miss the sweat. I miss the mind over matter decision of whether to walk or to push harder. So when I do go out for a run these days, I make sure I enjoy it and aim to have a smile on my face as I did last year finishing my first half Ironman.

Which is why tonite's sunset run with Nick was so much fun. We walked Joe and Ally first and took care of his 'business' first, so both of us were plenty warmed up and ran from the moment we left the house. It's the first run of the season in long sleeves. And we just ran. Real running, not a half hearted 12min/mile shuffle. Up the hill onto the Bluemont trail, the hill we normally walk, this time we ran strong. By the time we hit the last 1/4mile near the house, the part where I'm usually struggling and pushing myself to just get to the turnoff, it was nearly dark. So I couldn't see clearly how far I had left and therefore could just run. No heart rate monitor, no sense of distance. Just the happiness of running based on my own breath and the smile on Nick's silly little face beside me.

I don't know if there will ever again be a time where I run free from injury and that nagging worry that it could get even worse. But in the interim, I'll remember not to take these moments for granted and to enjoy the strength I do have to run with my faithful little goofball beside me.