just once

Yesterday afternoon I got an email from a friend who asked me if I wanted to go for a hike afterwork.  Sounded like fun and it was a gorgeous day, except that I needed to get a run in.  I wrote him back saying that maybe we could figure out a plan for after my run, to which I got a reply saying that if I was interested he would run with me.  OK so seems pretty to the point and simple, but to me it was really surprising because it isn't so often that someone who doesn't run wants to.  I have to admit this is one of my favs and it also made me think about why I love to run so much, but I will get back to that.  To me when someone who isn't a runner decides that they want run - it says something to me.  I guess in the simplest form it is wanting to do something and part of that is making some type of a change.  Maybe it is just to have a new experience or to be outside or to spend some honest time with a friend.  That's why running is amazing.  There is no way that you can fake a run and it is pretty hard to bullshit while you are out there.  There is chit chat and silence and you have to be comfortable with both.  You are in your skin and you hear your breath moving whether or not you want to.  I knew that on this particular run that my friend would let me set the pace - so we ran 5.25 miles on the shaded windy roads of beautiful mt tremper, but the mileage part of the run didn't really matter. It wasn't until that last mile or so that I could tell that he was getting tired, but that's where you push. You think that you just don't have it in you - but you do - you just need to reach for it.  The reason I found this run to be so special is because it was with one of my best friends who is moving and making some changes in his life.  I really appreciate (more then I can write) that he wanted to spend time with me doing what I love and for giving running a chance - for that I am thankful.  When I don't know what I am doing I run; when I am tired I run.  I always feel there is that support there.  Just like with friendships you support decisions, goals and unknowing vision whether or not they are yours.   

I understand that running isn't alluring to everyone - in the beginning it sucks.  It is uncomfortable and breathing is difficult, but once you move through that phase and your body adjusts it becomes second nature.  When we were running yesterday I kept thinking that I actually prefer running to walking.  The movement of running is so graceful and smooth.  Each motion forward is controlled and at the same time free.  Your breath is focused and kept in your core; your steps are light and quick and they draw energy for the next ones.  You hear everything in a different way and are acutely aware of your surroundings.  Sometimes you let your mind wander and thoughts pass through (insecurities, memories, feelings) and other times you focus on goals or let yourself just be in motion.  For me, running has helped me define myself and along all these miles I have become a strong runner and a happier person. 

Go run - just once.