No sense wasting the warm weather and snowless streets. I went out by myself and did 4 miles, and it was easy and it felt good. It had been nearly three weeks since I ran, and who knows? Maybe it will be frigid tomorrow and it will take three more weeks before I can go again.
My running buddies have been asking when we’ll get back out, but I snuck out on my own. I know it helps them to run in a group, but it doesn’t help me. I need to go out alone sometimes.
I’ve finally gotten to the point where I don’t remember every foot strike, don’t have to concentrate to keep my feet moving forward. I just run. I turn on my autopilot and have my own thoughts. I can’t do that when I’m matching speeds and trying not to step on heels.
I watched my shadow, because I always feel like my inexperience is perceptible in my novice stride. I’m always jealous of those graceful, long-limbed, natural athletes. They don’t run. They float, and I battle with gravity. Not tonight, though. My legs were three weeks rested. Life was good for those four miles.
Now, I just need my neck to heal and I can repeat this feeling 4 times per week.
