Running today brought back some memories, and not just because Kat and I revisited an old route we ran with the team back in the day. Admittedly, I have not enforced running hills since I left the cross country team. Sure, I've encountered a hill or two since then, but any runner can tell you that that does not count.
Today's weather could be considered by any runner near-perfect. The sun poked through the clouds a couple of times, the wind finally died down after causing so much commotion yesterday, and we didn't need to layer for cold temperatures nor pray for a cold-front.
It's a shame I refused to enjoy it.
Instead, my weak mind focused on the tightening in my chest, the pain from not running in the past week; later in the run, I began to feel my lunch (don't run too soon after eating); my back and shoulders grew so tense, my arms and legs weak. I could not wait to finish. Here's an interesting side note: during vigorous exercise, as many of you well-know, stopping sometimes hurts worse than continuing. To stop for a break means to stop in order to hurt so bad that you'd rather keep going. My first "break" today was simply to catch my breath (like I said--I'd taken a week off). The second time was due to a potentially vicious dog (turned out to be a coward with a loud bark). Both times were immediately regretted. Persevere.
The pain I endured today was not evidence of progress. It was not punishment for doing wrong. It was a warning, a reminder that taking too much time off has its consequences. Not only will you have lost touch with a part of yourself, but you'll suffer in the process of finding it again.
Good night, Saturday.
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