Moving under my own power

Floating on a Cloud

I have really grown to love running.

The reasons I run are many and change on an almost daily basis.  Some days I run to feel the wind through my hair.  Other times I run because I need to move.  But each time I am reminded every time how luck I am to be able to move, under my own power, in any direction my feet feel like taking me.  That feeling of my legs underneath me, rolling along almost by themselves -- like floating on a cloud. You runners out there know what I am talking about when I say you forget your legs are moving along and get lost in your thoughts and soak in the surroundings.

I know and enjoy the runner's high, but just as satisfying to me is achieving the zone where the pace feels easy, my body feels light, and I feel less and more.  I know those are opposite ends of the spectrum so let met explain.

When I start a run the small aches and pains in my foot, achilles, knee, calf, or quad conspire to convince me to stop. Why, my body asks, are we doing this when you could be snuggled in bed? I gauge the pain realize it is temperary and continue to run.  As the muscles and tendons loosen, I feel better and better.  I get stronger the longer I run.  Soon, I am floating along without a care and enjoying the moment. 

Less discomfort and pain and more feeling free and easy.  I try to cherish every run, but these moments are particularly sweet.