Picture of me running during a track workout hosted by the San Diego Running Meetup.
It’s usually an ungodly hour. The warmth of my bed overwhelms my body that lies paralyzed in a strategically covered cocoon of down comforter. A flush of thoughts enter my head as my eyes still refuse to open. “Why am I doing this? ”Just get out of bed already and get it over with–no!” My subconscious responds, “just go hit the gym later!”
Somehow I resist my seductive bed and will myself to get up, because I know that once my feet hit the pavement, my mind will soon be soothed.
Even though Southern California is always sunny and warm, the mornings are still quite brisk and uninviting to weary muscles. I take my time getting ready, it only takes me about ten minuets but I’m in no rush. I go to my lopsided dresser and pick out a three-year old oversized tee-shirt, running shorts, and lastly tie up my running shoes. I pause for a moment to clear my head.
Hitting the front porch with my iPod strapped to my body, I turn up the volume and hit the streets.
Every runner is like a like a finger print, every one is distinctly different, yet has similar patterns. Every runner has a set of songs or playlist they listen to (or nothing at all), as well as different reasons or inspirations thats motivates them to run. For me it is the rush, the high, the time to think, the freedom. Running never holds me back. At virtually any moment and any place; I can run. I can chase something that is beyond me.
A large majority of people would agree that running is a great stress reliever, and it is, but most of the time what motivates me to run is the feeling of stable ground beneath my feet.
As I begin those fast first strides up the hill pursing my route I can count on the ground being there. I can feel something real and unmoving under my feet; a constant. This feeling comforts me and allows me to think and clear my head in a state of fixedness. As the world around me swirls by, the concrete holds me steady, and keeps me from falling off the face of the earth.
Yes, my lungs plead for more air as I grow tired, my right knee begins to swell, my legs feel like lead and my arms are sore from pumping…
Yes, you could say I like the pain of running, because after that pain comes a release of pleasure. Not just the rush of endorphins or adrenaline, but the incredible feeling of being able to accomplish something tangible.
The distance and pace is insignificant, whether it’s a steady loop around your neighborhood or a six mile tempo run, allowing your feet to carry your body is painful at first but the feeling is pretty damn close to bliss.
Try it sometime.
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