Another great day....

You know what's the truth? I really love running. It's so odd for me to say that. Or at least to me it's odd. I NEVER would have thought I'd say I love running. I've always hated running. Perhaps it's just because I hated being forced to do it, rather than being motivated to do it on my own. Is it true that we always hate what we're forced against our will to do? I think that's true for reading, for example. In high school, when forced to read A Tale of Two Cities, everyone (with a few oddball exceptions (you know who you are)) hates it. But when reading it 20 years later, it's great! One realizes why it's a classic, and teachers force kids to read it. Same thing for Moby Dick. Hate it in high school. Love it as an adult. And broccoli. (Fortunately, I've never learned to love fruit cake. Does anyone actually eat that stuff? That bakery in Corsicana -- can't remember the name right off the top -- has made millions selling a product that no one eats. Bizarre.)

Anyway, running.... As I was doing my run this morning (9 miles) I made a point of focusing on my feelings. Physical feelings. Sensations. Breathing. Muscles flexing. Legs and arms moving. Chest expanding and contracting. Feet hitting the pavement. Arms moving back and forth. Sounds. Smells. Thirst. And what was I thinking about. (Actually, any psychologist would love to get hold of what I think about when I'm running. I don't think I should write it. No, it's not pornographic, if that's what you think I mean. And it's not consistent, anyway. But frequently it's.... well, as I said, it would fascinate a psychologist. Makes me think about things said about Lance Armstrong and what some people speculate (I assume they're speculating. Did he tell them?) he would think about while riding.)

But, back to the point.... When I was inventorying my feelings

(Ahah! Collin Street Bakery!)

I realized, really for the first time I remember having this specific thought, I was loving what I was doing. I've heard runners say that, but never appreciated it. I don't know what "runner's high" is. Don't think I've felt it. At least I haven't recognized it. But as I was running today, just a comfortable pace, I felt like I could go on forever. I felt so fit and strong. In control. Empowered. In touch with myself and everything and everyone around me.

Much moreso than when I'm on the bike. I really enjoy riding the bike as well. But now that I've been running, the bike seems so mechanical (duh!) and impersonal. It's like it separates the rider from what's going on around him. Almost like being in a car. On a bike you go so fast. Things come and go so quickly. I'm not sure what it is exactly. Or at least I'm not sure how to say it. I wish I were a more creative expressive writer. Probably everything I want to say has already been said by someone who is a runner and a real writer. I guess I should go get a book by that person (whoever it is, assuming it's out there) and just cut and paste passages into this blog. It would probably say everything I want to say, and people would be impressed with my writing at the same time. (just kidding...)

(Mozart Symphony No. 40 on Pandora. Love that they've started including classical music now.)

Well, this has gone on too long. I just hope I get over this cold before the marathon. The ankle and hip are both much better. If I am sick, though, it would be a real bummer.

Later....