I ditched "steady-state cardio" — those endless slogs of running for hours at the same pace — a long time ago... partially because I hated...
Read MoreI Went Running Today
Even when I did it all the time, I never became a very fast runner. But man! I loved running. Even when I hated running, I loved running.
Just the shoes, the trail, some music, the rhythm of my breathing, and that feeling of being free. You can’t catch me! La la la…
I used to play games on the trail around the lake. I’d pick someone up ahead and see if I could pass them. Or I’d pretend I was on a secret mission. Or, sometimes, I’d just listen to “Tom Sawyer” then listen to it again (and again) because it sounded that good.
Today, for the first time in far too long, I didn’t think about what I used to be able to do. And I didn’t worry that I’d never run faster than how fast I ran today.
I just ran.
And, truth be told, I walked a fair amount, too. But I ran.
And yes, I did my bio-feedback testing every few intervals to make sure it was OK to keep running. And I kept an eye on my heart rate monitor. And I took walk breaks that were longer than my running intervals. And no, I didn’t draw an imaginary bulls-eye on anyone’s back and accelerate to try to pass them.
But I went running today.
And when I was almost all the way around the 3-mile loop, just past Turtle Cove but not yet at my favorite uphill, my heart felt funny-in-a-good-way, and I realized what it was.
Joy.
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so happy for you! you can see the joy in your face and read it on your post. CHEERS for a great run!!
Walking during a run when your body needs it is smart running. Good work out there.
I’m a terrible runner, but sometimes, I run anyway.
You are simply adorable! I love seeing your smile and hearing your story.
“Limelight” is a better song to run to. Just saying. 😀
Love this. And the Galloway method (run/walk intervals) got me into running and has kept me running all this time.
Joy…
Good. I love those moments 🙂
Love it!
I went on a neighborhood joyride on my bike just before reading…
you captured my experience perfectly!
Oh, your post made me tear up-with joy!
Yay!!!! Nothing like a good run. Or even a kinda crappy one. Good work Mel and I am so stoked that you felt the joy!
Yay. I can definitely see how happy you are in the photo 🙂 I’m finally learning how to run. Before my asthma was always too bad. But recently I’ve been managing about 2 miles total without issue. Started using the C25K Free app. So good for beginners.
TL Trail is my happy place 🙂 And running is my happy time; I can definitely relate to the JOY!
Thanks, everyone, for celebrating my run with me. I’m suited up and heading out the door for run #2 this morning. YAY!
I “loved” running, when I first started, so I ran a marathon. It then turned to hate and I stopped. Recently I started running again. Only a few miles, and I got nostalgic and admitted I really do love to run. I know what you’re talking about. I think the key for me is not to overdue it. Run as as long as I love it and stop when it turns to anger and rage (:
“Run as as long as I love it and stop when it turns to anger and rage.”
PERFECT!