Running with unbridled joy
I have a confession: until Tuesday, I hadn’t run a lick since completing the half-marathon at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon race May 1.
I’ve gotten exercise. I’ve played softball and soccer. But I hadn’t used my running shoes at all.
Not one mile.
I let a disparaging comment about my slow speed get the best of me after the race, and my running came to a grinding halt. After two months and some encouragement from friends, I decided that maybe I just needed to choose another race. If I could set a goal and choose a date, I’d have a reason to hit the pavement (or the treadmill) again. I dreaded it and put it off as long as humanly possible, but Tuesday I grumpily headed for the gym.
As I laced up my shoes, I felt a wave rush through my body. What was overcoming me?
Joy.
I put on my shoes as fast as I could and smashed all my stuff in a locker. I skipped stretching. There was no time to waste. I hopped on the treadmill and ran. Fast. Hard.
Ok, so it was probably too fast. I had to slow down after just a mile. But I didn’t care. I lip-synced like no one was around, though if I was alone I probably would have sung as loudly as I could have between breaths. I was practically dancing. Honestly, there were a few moments when I was doing some actual dance moves. Then I decided this was probably dangerous, so I narrowed it to just arm movements.
I’m looking forward to running this weekend. My family and I are going out of town, and I’m taking my running shoes with me. It feels good to run again.
Thank you for joining our conversation on Memorial Mile Markers. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.
Comments
[...] My return to running started out with unbridled joy. I enjoyed my first few outings so much I couldn’t handle it. But after struggling with the heat and trying to get myself back in gear, I’m falling flat. My times are slow. I’m tired. My body aches. It’s horrible! [...]
[...] the one who talked me into running in the first place, and I’m so, so, so glad she did. As I’m getting back into the swing of running, I’ve been looking to Megan again for help and inspiration. We were going to run with the [...]