Running: a love hate relationship

Notice that I'm back...again? Two days in a row? I'm trying to incorporate some consistency and accomplishment into my life these days.

Yesterday I went on the best run I've had in easily a year. While Sarah and I had been training for a half marathon earlier in the year (a race that we did not run due to some uncontrollably factors), most of our training was happening on a treadmill. Something that ANY trainer/runner will tell you is a BIG no-no. Since I started running again, about six weeks ago, I've been outside for all my runs. Most of these runs have been 1.7-2.0 miles long and have included periods of walking.

My run yesterday was 2.62 miles and I ran 2.32 of it. It was WONDERFUL! This morning on my way to work, I was fantasizing about my run today. I contemplated different routes, wondered what the weather would be like, planned new play lists, and became all euphoric at the thought of lacing up my Pumas for another run.

This is the part of my relationship with running that I love. Unlike other love affairs, it takes a couple of months to get to the honeymoon period. Before yesterday, my runs could be described as obligatory, obnoxious, irritating, and down right depressing. Yet, something always happens for me six weeks into a running routine that makes me want to make-out with my runs. My abs are noticeably tighter (to me anyway), my breath is steady instead of gasping, and I enjoy my time on the road. 

In addition to all the physical benefits (not the least of which is being down 8 lbs!), running has become the one thing that clears my head. Seriously. I don't think about anything when I'm running. I don't worry, fret, get upset, cry or complain when I'm running. For a half hour each day, I get to be Betty. That, is amazing, and totally worth icing my swollen knee and shin splints every night.

Apparently, I'm becoming "a runner."