It makes such a difference, a little bit of
encouragement. I’ve been dragging on my
long runs. This weekend, I felt
stronger. I decided not to run fast, as
I have been lately, but to just embrace the comfortable pace and not worry at
all about my time. Yet, I cringed a bit
when my Nike running woman whispered my first mile time into my ear. I promptly reminded myself I was not running
for speed but for a sustainable long run, a pace that would perhaps require an
extra nap and more calories today but would not undo my whole weekend. The first 3 miles uphill are always a
challenge, so when I felt myself getting bored, I took a slightly different
path, up into a new neighborhood to avoid one of the long frustrating
stretches. This helped, just a small
change in scenery got me to the top of the trail feeling ready to face the last
4 miles.
Running downhill brings challenges as well. Enjoy the momentum, but don’t fall. Push it a bit, because you can and you’ve
earned it. With these mantras in mind, I
was politely passing the strollers and the saunterers of the trail. Only to catch the eye of a man plodding in
the opposite direction, I realized I’d
seen him before. Then with his random
encouragement I remembered, I adore this man.
This gentleman locked eyes with me an offered the most pure and
heartfelt, “Good job!” I have ever
received. It may have been six months
since I saw him last on the trail, maybe more!
Yet with his status as a virtual stranger, he communicates with his
eyes, his words and his intonation, encouragement that means so much. The rest of the run felt easy, light, and
natural. While I don’t require recognition for my running,
receiving it made me feel happy, proud, accomplished. I wondered was this man a retired track
coach, a father who wished random gentlemen would give his own daughter support
so he acted in kind, or just a sweet hearted man who let his supportive thoughts
leak out. No matter what the case may
be, he made my day!
The weekend was wrought with housework, schoolwork and such
but I managed to squeeze in a long run, a long walk and a long bike ride, so in
the end I was satisfied. The Santa Anas
are kicking up and while this is hell for my allergies, it is a delight to be
outside without needing a sweater! Yes,
I know we are spoiled here in So Cal but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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