Justin's Running Slump

I ditched the stopwatch this afternoon for a personal 10k. My shins have been hurting since I bought my new shoes, and I was halfway unsure about keeping them or finding a new pair. But new shoes always look cool! I just couldn't do it. :)

So recently I tried running my own stride again. I had switched to smaller steps since running with Alaina, because otherwise I was ending up pushing us too far out of pace. But today's small jog was a good reminder of the feel-good of running.

When I was training for my last marathon, I was also going through school, a long-distance relationship, and a new house of roommates. Each had its separate demands and I found so much pleasure in heading out in the early morning for an 'easy' 10-miler. I loved the circuit I ran around Salt Lake. Then I'd head up to afternoon class, work at the newspaper after, and then an occasional text/call to my sweetheart (she followed the Rules, I later found out). :)

But I always ran alone. I always pushed myself up the hill, fighting side-aches and mild dehydration. I always tried to run what made me feel good. And lately, my runs have been dominated with hurt muscles, but no feel-good seratonin.

So I ditched the stopwatch today.

And I smelled a pink-laden tree that ran sweet from 20 feet away; I saw a bird drop from the treetop and glide over the signpost; I heared a motorbike head north on 2200 West; I tasted the salt of my breath; I felt wind, full-force in my face; I felt good.

I don't think stopwatches are for me. :)