Marathon Training

Week six, day four

Before this season started, I was at Leadership boot camp with my Coach, team captain and fellow mentors. Ryan and I were discussing the running we had been doing over the summer, and she said, “wow, you really love running now, huh?” And I immediately answered, “No. I effing hate running.”

I started running because I was frustrated and angry that my friend was sick. I kept running because I didn’t know how else to deal with my grief over her death. And now I run to raise money in her honor.

I’m not a “natural runner,” whatever that is. I’ve never gotten a “runner’s high,” and I don’t know what that is either. I’m slow, I breathe heavy and I sweat a lot. I’m sure my form leaves a lot to be desired and that I don’t look all that cute out there either.

I hate running.

But I have to admit, on days like today? A day when a father told a story of his eight year old dying from AML a week or so after diagnosis, and thanked us for what we do to fight blood cancer? A day when the temperature was perfect and the breeze was just right? A day when my knees didn’t hurt and the Loving hill didn’t look quite so steep?

I sorta, kinda, love it too.