Beautiful
Up before the alarm goes off, I quickly dress in running gear and pop a couple Clif Shot Blocks as I head out the door and to the street. The air is nippy, giving me goosebumps. I turn on the iPod, hit "start" on my watch, and I'm off.
It's a route I've run a million times before, wandering around my neighborhood and a local park. It's light out, barely, but the sun hasn't come over the horizon yet, and all the dogwalkers are still snug in their beds. When they do come out, tired and sleepy and cold, they are bundled in sweats and mittens, a stark contrast to my shorts and T-shirt.
The air is invigorating, my legs are strong, I am healthy. I breathe deeply and let the music wash over my body, my soul. I am alert, yet relaxed, reveling in the smell of wet grass as I dodge mud puddles. Round and round the park I go, in an age-old dance, my legs traveling one after the other, always moving forward, in a comforting cadence.
I run intervals to the music, picking up or slowing down my pace depending on the beat. It's a music-based fartlek, and it's fun. By the end, I am tired, but when I turn the last corner and spy my house, I am almost sad to see the run end. I extend the beauty of the morning by taking a long cooldown, walking around the block, by the market that isn't open yet, by the caretaker watering the flowers.
I am ready for my day, ready to handle whatever may come. I am strong, confident, capable, my run having given me a reminder of my strength, a reminder that I exist, a reminder that I am alive in my body. A reminder that life is beautiful in it's simplicity. Eat, drink, sleep, run.
Comments
You should post this on Runner's Lounge under motivation. I for one am going to copy this somewhere and keep it. Beautiful and totally motivating. I loved it !!
Posted by: Nancy | October 12, 2007 07:34 AM
A music-based fartlek. Great stuff, the way it should be.
Posted by: Thomas | October 12, 2007 07:39 AM
What a lovely post!
And a music-based fartlek -I love it!
Posted by: Taryn | October 12, 2007 08:02 AM
Very nice Angie. I think you forgot one on the list though...
Eat, drink, love, sleep, run.
Posted by: backofpack | October 12, 2007 08:47 AM
I love it!! Sounds just wonderful out there!
Posted by: Javamom | October 12, 2007 09:30 AM
Nicely run, and nicely written. I enjoyed every word as if I running along with you. ~ Thanks.
Posted by: Juls | October 12, 2007 01:16 PM
I need to start my day this way as well.
Posted by: Rob | October 12, 2007 04:01 PM
I love early morning runs! : )
Posted by: Sarah | October 12, 2007 06:10 PM
Beautiful, indeed. Sounds like your love of running is back in a big way. Very nice.
Posted by: Chad in the AZ Desert | October 12, 2007 07:17 PM
I've only recently been converted to morning runs, I was kind of dragged into it kicking and screaming. Not nearly so eloquent as you put it.
Posted by: Vanilla | October 12, 2007 07:51 PM
nothing like early morning runs to make feel alive and great about yourself.
The quietness, the time alone, energizes you...
Lovely post, i'm gonna print it.
Posted by: Gabrielle | October 13, 2007 03:14 AM