Sometimes I have amazing runs. Sometimes I have runs that completely suck. Some days my legs feel fresh, others not so much. On any given day, my stomach can rebel. Or not.
There are certain factors that are likely to make a run better than others. Cool weather=good run. Rest days=happy legs. Eating right=happy tummy. All pieces of an equation that you try to put together to make a good run.
And then you have a run that surprises you. It’s warm out. You start kind of dehydrated. You’ve eaten enough tomatoes to feed a small country. It’s so humid your elbows drip sweat. And you think “this run is going to suck”.
But somehow it doesn’t. Your legs turn over smoothly. A faster than usual pace feels easy. Nothing hurts. At the end of the run, you think “Wow, if only every run felt like that…”
And that is how an addiction to running starts. The constant pursuit of the perfect run, because no matter how badly today’s run might suck, tomorrow’s run might be “the one”.
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I love this! Someone used me in a talk a while back about how much I love running and getting out there every day and being addicted to it. I used a similar way of explaining my running life. I just wish there were a few more of those “this is it” runs. Have a good weekend!
That IS how the addiction starts, isn’t it
If only we could figure out that perfect formula!
We’re chasing that high, aren’t we? Both metaphorically and literally! My suckiest runs are usually the last ones before a race! But, as they say in the theatre, “A poor dress rehearsal leads to a great performance!”
You nailed it. I guess if we knew how each run would turn out before heading out the door, we might do a lot less of it (think if you knew one would be totally sucky!). It is certainly an addiction!
This is exactly what keeps me going
Haha, my elbows almost always drip sweat. It is so weird!
Yes, you’re right! It’s those amazing runs that got me addicted, and keep me coming back. Love when they surprise us!
This is so true. Those runs are what keep me coming back.
SOOO true!!
So true! That perfect run is always within reach or a mile a way you never know what the day will bring.
Love. Those. Runs.
(glad you had a good one.)
More and more, I think every run is a good run. Just getting out and getting the chance to run is a great thing! For me, even a “bad” run is better than no run!
Very true and those runs that surprise you are the ones that keep you coming back for more!
I love this post! You are so right. There’s really no telling how a run will be. Sometimes I think a run will be great, and it’s like dragging my feet through maple syrup. Othertimes I ‘ll feel like I’m flying. And that’s the best feeling there is.
So true. The pursuit of the perfect run…. I love it. Can’t wait to start running outdoor in cooler temperatures….
Nice. I always like to hear when someone has such a good run.