Oh how I missed thee.

It's been 15 days since my last run.  

The last week before my surgery I was supposed to keep my mileage up so when I took a week off it wouldn't matter.  Instead I felt tired, made excuses and didn't run at all.  The week after my surgery I was in no shape to hit the pavement.  I've been in quite a bit of pain and totally lethargic.  Just a quick trip around the supermarket would leave me exhausted.

But I decided this morning that I'd had enough.  I do not like being lazy.  And I get down right cranky if I don't run for a week.

So this morning I laced up.  I stood on the doorstep and paused, face turned to the sun.  I was excited.    I felt a huge amount of joy.  It coursed through my veins, filling me with an energy that I have been lacking of late.  I started out the drive grinning.  I decided that I'd just do 5km as a test.  The first K was great.  I felt strong and happy as I bounced along.  About 2km in I turned a corner and faced then wind.  Still happy, but a little more tired than when I started.  At the half way mark I noticed my form was sloppy and I was slowing down.  My poor mouth started throbbing about the 3km mark. I stopped for a car and realized how hot it was.   4km, nearing home & near exhausted.  400m to go and I gave it my all for my usual sprint finish.  Which funnily enough wasn't a change of pace at all because I had nothing left in the tank.  

I did it.  I could taste my gums and I was tired.  It was only 5km but I'm still so glad that I got out there.  

A lot of people don't get why I run.  I've had comments like "You don't need to run, you're already small" & "you're crazy" or they just ask "Why?" as they shake their head at me.

Well, running gives me a lot.  I was never a sporty person growing up.  I've always been crap at sport, unfit, uncoordinated and unmotivated.  

I discovered when I lived in OZ that running is something that I can do.  I'm not fast, I injure easily and I will never break any records (except my own). But when I'm out there, I can feel strong - which is something I never feel in everyday life. I am notorious for my weakness in normal situations, but while I am not a strong runner, it makes me feel strong.  Which is an amazing feeling when you aren't used to it. I blame those delicious things called endorphin's.  And I also love knowing that at the end of the day I've achieved something. That I can just chill out with Phil and know I've already done my exercise for the day.   

I love how there is a whole running community. Thousands of individuals who you feel like you are connected to in this small, but significant way. How in an event you sort of feel like a massive, supportive family. How when you are running alongside someone you get the sense that, at our essence, we are all the same.  You feel like you are more in touch with humanity.  

There are so many more things that motivate me to lace up and I really could go on for longer, but I'll stop there before you get too bored.  No doubt many of you are already rolling your eyes at me.

Right now I'm on a high.  I'm feeling great.  I'm looking forward to spending the afternoon with my kids.

It's sunny.  Get out there!  

Happy Tuesday.