Runner’s High
So, for me, this week is a very big deal.
Last year I determined that I wanted to run a marathon. I trained, trained, and then trained some more. Then one week before the big day I was involved in a bicycle accident that rendered me unable to run. (torn meniscus, broken hand, cut up face.) So, this year, I have worked to regain my strength and prepare to run my first marathon.
I am 6 days from that moment. It is hard to describe what I am feeling. I suppose it is odd to put so much into one day, I mean in the long run maybe it is not that important. BUT, maybe in the long run, it is very important. After all, I want my daughters to know that this is my passion, and it is ok to be passionate about something. I want this to be an integral part of my life forever, so maybe it is important.
In any case, it has been a long build up to this moment.
In the runner’s world there is a phenomenon that is known as the runner’s high….it is a moment that is different for everyone. However, for me it comes on suddenly. Last night, in my last long run before the big day, I found it. The sun was setting, a special time for me. I was rushing to get home before dinner, before dark, before the weekend passed me by and it was back to the demands of the workweek. Metallica was playing in my headphones and I looked at my garmin to notice I was hovering around a 9:40 mile. Not bad…but with 2 miles still left and sunset fast approaching…I needed to pick it up. So, I pushed it a little harder. The traffic of Southwest Parkway flew past me, my headphones pounded in my ears, even with the cool weather a little rush of heat radiated around me. I felt like I was floating across the pavement, I could feel no pain, I could barely notice my feet hitting the ground, I listened to my breaths, steady…. I glanced and noticed I was running mile 7 at an 8 minute mile pace. Then mile 8…. True runner’s high I felt nothing…just running.
That is why I run. I am so ready for this weekend. I know that it will be hard. I anticipate struggles, I am aware that there will be moments I want to walk, there will be times when it feels like my muscles are being pulled apart one strand at a time. I will get tired, I will be frustrated, I imagine I will even cry. BUT, I will also do it. I will run 26.2 miles. I will make it….
I can’t wait.
