April 5, 2011 By april
As everyone probably knows, I’m itching for the weather to decide to stay Spring so that I can ride my bike again. It has been a long winter, and I’m ready to feel the wind in my face (and feel cool wearing my helmet).
But here’s the thing. Something’s been nagging at me for quite some time now. I have felt this itch. I can’t shake it. I’m blaming every single one of you runner’s for this.
For quite some time now, I have felt this itch to start running. Again. I’m not sure why–no, I know why. You all talk about your runs and your training and your races. Every single one of you makes me so proud of you. I’m proud to know such a strong group of people, and you all have inspired me to run.
I got onto the treadmill today, and I knew I was starting all over. I knew pushing myself would be stupid. So, I started out slow. My goal when I run is to never walk until I reach my goal. Even if I’m barely jogging, I do not walk. As I gain endurance I go faster and run longer distances.
But I don’t get that runner’s high. The first mile has always been pure hell for me. Nothing about running has clicked for me. So, the fact that I’ve had this “itch” to run has both amused me and baffled me.
Today, as I ran, something hit me at around 0.45 of a mile. I wasn’t hating it. Like not at all. At 0.5 mile, I increased my speed. At 0.73 of a mile, I experienced something that I have never felt before. My brain said, this isn’t so bad. I was almost enjoying myself. I actually smiled when I thought about that.
I’m probably never going to LOVE to run, but I think that for some people, running may just be something I learn to love. A little bit.
Right now, I’m just going to go with it. Let’s see where this goes, shall we?