And I Was Runnin'

Edited for the June 5, 2008 edition of Runner's Lounge TIART series. They’ve asked us to share our favorite post from the last year. Being that I only began paying attention to my running routine in January, my favorite post is from March 24th, fairly recent but most relevant as it marks the moment I realized... holy moly, I am a runner.

Its taken me a long time to feel justified in saying this but... I AM A RUNNER.

I love to run. The calming effect, the challenge, the euphoria, the endorphins. I feel like a damned Nike ad but there is truth to be told, my friends.

At times, I seriously DREAD running. I don't want to go and I stomp my feet like a 5 year old whining about coming inside after a fun filled day in the snow.

I. DON'T. WANT. TO. (Pout.)

And, then I lace up my shoes and get my ass out the door. The first mile is generally a huge cluster of nonsense. Getting settled. My brain is going a mile a minute, trying to think of any excuse to turn around and go veg out on the couch. My body creaks as it works out the kinks of a good night's sleep and the gluttony of the weekend. I'm pretending to be tired (its more like pure laziness). My iPod is blaring some techno/dance song at 176 BPM. I have a wedgie. I'm arguing with myself. My shoes feel too tight. My hair is in my face. And I'm panting.

But, I keep running.

Soon - I develop a rhythm. The steps get mildly easier. The beat keeps me moving.

And then, I am coasting, my brain is quiet, my body is working fluidly, my face is flushed from the sun, the wind, and the rush. I am comfortable and exhilarated.

One foot in front of the other as I glance at the surrounding neighborhoods and trees and little bodies of water. Little moments filled with so much life.

Breathing. In and out.

Thoughts cross my mind. I have time to think. To reflect. To contemplate. Its empowering and I have total control.

The faster I run, the stronger the burn, and the stronger the rush. The greater the payoff.

I've learned so much through running. So much about myself, so much about the human spirit and the power within. (Again, me and the damned Nike ADs. Sorry.)

The most raw form of exercise has me lost and found in one hour. I start out somewhat bitter and unnerved that I have to run. I finish refreshed and awakenend.

(Though, I am still bitter its Monday!)

p.s. As much as I absolutely thrive on and crave running... in the same token, I have absolutely zero desire to run a marathon. Not an ounce. And, I feel sort of guilty about it. Aren't all runners supposed to want to complete at least one marathon in their life? Well, I am 100% fine with never doing it. I feel that it will do absolutely nothing for me but wreck my body (my knees ache at the thought.) Anything that causes one to poop themselves while doing it... cannot POSSIBLY be good for you.