I didn't think I had it in me to run this morning. The kids woke up early - I first heard Owen a little after 5am - and after an exhausting week, I just didn't know if I'd be able to pull out a long run. I signed up for the L.A. Marathon and I haven't started training for it yet (it isn't until March), but I am trying to get a few extra miles under my feet on Saturdays. I set out a little before 9am and, surprisingly, I felt good from the minute I started. I don't know about other people, but I don't think there are too many things in life quite as satisfying as a good run. Even though I've been running for years, every run is still different. Most take effort, but not enough effort that I don't want to do again the next day. Only occasionally do I have a run that's completely effortless, and when that happens I feel pure joy. Those are the times that revelations occur, and the most insurmountable obstacles overcome. It just so happened that today was one of those days. What a wonderful surprise!
I have to admit, I also run because I like to say I'm a runner. There's an unspoken bond shared between people that run. It's like being a member of a secret club you that you never actually knew you joined, but you're always a member as long as you get outside and run. This club has no prejudices -- you can be 20 or 80, you can be 100 lbs. or 300 lbs., male/female, any ethnicity. All are welcome. When runners pass each other, there's an understanding that's expressed in the most simple gesture - a nod, a wink, a quick wave. Sometimes that's all I need to help me get through the last mile. I don't know if it's the competitiveness that makes me move faster when I see another runner or the encouragement I get just by seeing another person out there, committed to moving no matter how slow or how fast they are. All I do know is that I feel better when I run and I also feel inspired when I see other runners. That's enough to keep me devoted.
I have to admit, I also run because I like to say I'm a runner. There's an unspoken bond shared between people that run. It's like being a member of a secret club you that you never actually knew you joined, but you're always a member as long as you get outside and run. This club has no prejudices -- you can be 20 or 80, you can be 100 lbs. or 300 lbs., male/female, any ethnicity. All are welcome. When runners pass each other, there's an understanding that's expressed in the most simple gesture - a nod, a wink, a quick wave. Sometimes that's all I need to help me get through the last mile. I don't know if it's the competitiveness that makes me move faster when I see another runner or the encouragement I get just by seeing another person out there, committed to moving no matter how slow or how fast they are. All I do know is that I feel better when I run and I also feel inspired when I see other runners. That's enough to keep me devoted.
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