I miss running

I miss the ritual of getting dressed in what I’ve come to learn is the perfect combination of cool and warm layers for the weather.

I miss the smells and views of my route. Fabric softener, especially on Sundays, lilacs in spring, freshly cut grass… Running is an exercise which captivates so many senses for me.

You, too?

I miss talking myself through that first mile, the one which is always the hardest for me. Focusing on my breathing, my music or an idea I’m trying to grow, is the best distraction from how much it all hurts.

I miss the feeling of a satisfying accomplishment. Hearing the miles tick off in my ears kept me going until I hit that 5 mile mark almost every time.

I miss the feel of my clothes 10 lbs ago. Between typical aging/hormonal stuff and not running, my body and weight have shifted a bit. I’m not comfortable with it, at least not yet.

I miss hot showers after long winter runs.

I achingly miss full moon runs down the Yellow Brick Road, through the farm and onto the back 9 at Muni with the Luna Bitch*s. We’d pause for water, which was always exactly the degree of cold I most enjoyed, and not decide which way we were going home until we hit the intersection of New Scotland and Whitehall. Most of the time, we continued on New Scotland, taking our run as far as we could not wanting it to end

I miss running.

So much.