I got it back.

That feeling.  That desire.  That need to go running.  The sense that my whole day is hinged upon having a good run.  It’s a feeling that’s escaped me for a long time but has happily returned.

I had a buddy in town last week and we went jogging every day.  Most days I didn’t really want to go I just felt like I had to go.  As I mentioned in last week’s post, he and I have a tendency to test each other’s limits.  There’s a constant competition between the two of us that festers beneath everything we do.   He’s a far better runner than I am and a far tougher hombre, so I constantly found myself pushing to the edge to keep up with him.  We did several long beach runs in Santa Monica, a couple of swims, a two-day backpacking hike in Joshua Tree, and a lot more.  And it all paid off!  I woke up this morning, the day after he split town, itching to get out and be active.  Not that feeling of burden where I know I should but I really don’t want to.  I really wanted to.  And I felt great!  I went hard and long and when I was done I felt like I could retrace those four miles and do it all over again.  I’ve been out running everyday for the past ten days, and each day I feel better and better.  I feel like I’m finally a real runner again.  I’m on my way back to marathon shape.

I’m Colorado bound Wednesday for a little snowboarding trip, so next week’s post will be from higher elevations.  Here’s to hoping for some fresh powder and some good skiing!

Have a great week 365-ers!