It started 30 years ago this Fall and has brought me joy, pain and accomplishment.  It has taken me on wonderful vacations, built great friendships and opened doors.

When I started running for fitness I had a few acquaintances that ran, but mostly I was on my own because I was quite unfit.  Everyone that I knew ran faster, was stronger and going much longer distances than I was. I didn’t really like running.  Not for a whole year – but I kept at it because I loved what I got from running.  Unfortunately, a rather one-sided relationship to start but somewhere in there, I had a breakthrough.  I couldn’t run enough.  Sometimes, I would want to run twice in a day (but I didn’t).  It got to the point where I wouldn’t let more than two days pass between runs because I thought the spell would be broken and I’d never run again.  I was too in-love to let this happen – so I kept going.

Running helped me to develop more than my fitness however.  It helped me to develop my self-discipline and helped me push myself both farther and further  (yes, there is a difference).  In some ways, it helped me be more adventuresome (though some friends might think otherwise).  It made me more confident.  More self-assured.

I ran when I was happy, and when I was sad – and I still do because there’s nothing (for me) like going for a run to gain one more thing – perspective.

Running became my happy place.  I have never been fast, but I have been able to go far.  I welcomed the fatigue and muscle soreness that followed big events.  To some this may be a rather ‘sick’ confession – but for me it’s the truth.  Since retiring from marathons and iron-distance triathlon – it’s the feeling I miss the most.

In very long distance events, I discovered many things.

• it’s a really good idea to follow a training program closely when you plan to run a marathon.  Don’t try to ‘wing’ it.  Seriously. It never ends well.
• it’s a good idea to drink fluids and consume food on long runs, or you run out of gas – badly.
• it’s not a good thing to be running the first 10miles faster than you ever have before – in any marathon race, any time.  Again, this never ends well.
• you can’t cry and run at the same time.  It’s really hard to breathe when you try to do this.
• solo running can be total bliss AND sometimes a running partner is a great way to pass the time and enjoy the journey.

So, thank you – my old friend, Running.  I’m not sure how to commemorate my 30 year anniversary – but I might see if I can convince a few of the “old guard” to join me in a little spin around the block.

LiveSplendidly!

Run(more)Splendidly!