Perfect Run

I have been running (again) for almost two months now, having taken the plunge at the end of June. It's been pretty good, but, really, in the last few weeks mostly hard and not so good. I've discovered that one of the best ways for me to get started on something that requires real effort - whether it's writing or running or some such effortful thing - is to sneak up on it. For instance, if I need to write a grant, I tell myself that I'll just go check my e-mail, maybe write a few messages, and then just open a grant document, read a few things, fill in some information, and before I know it, I'm actually writing a grant. With running, I'll start talking myself out of it (too tired, other things I want to do, getting to dark/cold/rainy), and I'll decide just to take a walk. Then walking is too slow and before I know it, I'm running.

I missed my usual run time on Tuesday so I dropped the kids off at daycare on Wednesday and went over to Golden Ponds to just take a walk - or maybe run - before work. It was a beautiful, late summer morning with just the slightest, not at all uncomfortable chill. The pond water was almost flat, reminding me of perfect crew days on the Chesapeake Bay, and reflected the newly snow capped Rocky Mountains. Ducks and pond birds were out, started for the morning. I enjoyed the feel of walking and running along the gravel path, saying hello to other walkers and runners, such that I had the energy to run longer than I had since getting back to it. I got in my car with skin cool from the morning air and a brain exceptionally happy on a runner's high that carried me through past lunch. How blessed I felt to live in such a place where I can take such a pleasurable run. Morning is definitely my favorite time to run.

I have been wondering how much running is a part of me. The main speaker at the youth conference I work with, RYM, explained during one his sermons this year that when he thinks of himself, running is deeply part of him. I ran in high school in both cross country and the track team. I ran off and on through college, after college and ran a half marathon the day before I found out I was pregnant with Harper. I've put in a lot of miles, but I'm not sure how much running really is me. It often feels like a second choice in exercise because it's easy (put on shoes, go out door, run) and cheap. I realized on my perfect run that the sports I love are those that involve precise body positions and and an emphasis on body position - gymnastics, dance, crew, yoga, cross country skiing. Sports that are just about speed and covering distance don't do as much for me.

I will keep running, though, if for nothing else than to have more perfect runs and a space to fall in love with athletic activity.

(The picture is of Golden Ponds - beautiful!)