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Apr. 23rd, 2004
Running around
Apr. 23rd, 2004 11:54 amI’ve discovered something. I actually like running.
No, don’t laugh (why did I start training for a half marathon if I didn’t like to run, I hear you saying). Hear me out.
I’ve run for a fair few years now, on and off (mostly off, truth be told), but I’ve never really enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the fitness aspect, and I’ve enjoyed the feeling (both physical and mental) you get once the run is over, but I’ve never really enjoyed the act in itself. Until now. So what’s changed?
This is the first time I’ve run in training for a run (my half marathon). I have a training schedule that allows me to build up gradually to the race in September, and so far things are going to plan. I’m not trying to go as fast as I can, I’m trying to build up miles, increase the distance I can run. So I’ve given myself permission to slow down when I need to. As a consequence I’ve been taking more notice of my surroundings, and also enjoying the feeling of my body being in motion, of moving freely along without carrying bags or heavy clothes or stuff like that. Just enjoying moving through the world.
When I watch my kids running around, I see that they run for the hell of it. The run because they’ve energy to burn, and running feels good. I think I’m rediscovering that here, and it’s pretty amazing to me. I ran early this morning (6 a.m.) before the traffic really got started, before there was anyone else around, through a world of early sunlight, birdsong, fresh green leaves, and cherry blossom, and it felt so good.
And I ran past the house of my friend who just died. So, yes, right then running felt like an affirmation of life, my life, which I’m lucky to have.
No, don’t laugh (why did I start training for a half marathon if I didn’t like to run, I hear you saying). Hear me out.
I’ve run for a fair few years now, on and off (mostly off, truth be told), but I’ve never really enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the fitness aspect, and I’ve enjoyed the feeling (both physical and mental) you get once the run is over, but I’ve never really enjoyed the act in itself. Until now. So what’s changed?
This is the first time I’ve run in training for a run (my half marathon). I have a training schedule that allows me to build up gradually to the race in September, and so far things are going to plan. I’m not trying to go as fast as I can, I’m trying to build up miles, increase the distance I can run. So I’ve given myself permission to slow down when I need to. As a consequence I’ve been taking more notice of my surroundings, and also enjoying the feeling of my body being in motion, of moving freely along without carrying bags or heavy clothes or stuff like that. Just enjoying moving through the world.
When I watch my kids running around, I see that they run for the hell of it. The run because they’ve energy to burn, and running feels good. I think I’m rediscovering that here, and it’s pretty amazing to me. I ran early this morning (6 a.m.) before the traffic really got started, before there was anyone else around, through a world of early sunlight, birdsong, fresh green leaves, and cherry blossom, and it felt so good.
And I ran past the house of my friend who just died. So, yes, right then running felt like an affirmation of life, my life, which I’m lucky to have.