Runs With Joy

I had a spectacular run today. I biked for an hour on the trainer and then high-tailed it over to the trail. I concentrated on running smoothly and breathing easily. I put Loreena McKennitt on the iPod and then just flowed up the trail. I hit the half mile mark at 5:34 (which is fast for me - being a 12-minute mile kind of gal all day long). I noted the number but didn't get caught up in it. I worked on breathing - breathing in air, the beauty of the trail, the cool green light filtering through the trees, the smiles of the other runners, the fun of frisking dogs - I breathed it all in. I wasn't surprised to see I'd slowed down to 11:40 at the mile (though that's still fast-ish for me as I said). I decided not to look at my watch after my 15 min turnaround point. I just ran. When I was aware of my legs it was only to feel how even and gracefully I was striding. I felt an incredible upwelling of joy. THIS is how I want to feel. THIS is what I want to be. Outside, comfortable, safe, strong, athletic, moving through the world, connected, ALIVE. Seriously, outrageously alive. I didn't have much to sprint with at the end, but I did stretch it out. I'd lost the timeless feeling of that third quarter surge but finished strongly for all that. Total run time: 29:18. Forty-two seconds worth of negative split - and no gut cramps. Joy and more joy! Can't wait to check in around the country and see how everyone's weekend finished up. (I'm following Elaine the PirateGirl from Tucson on IronmanLive and it is sooooo cool. I'm amazed and so grateful for the technology that lets us do so many uber-neato things - post pictures, befriend amazing people across the world, track HR, chart training ride elevations, follow race stats live, etc!) Peace, my friends!