I’m not sure what ‘National Running Day’ is - and I’ve certainly never celebrated it before, but I thought it sounded appropriate, what with all my running and such.

I started my day at 4:58 am, when my eyes sprung open all by themselves, without any involuntary assistance from my alarm.  No really.  That has been happening lately!  Adam and I were both out of bed before 6:30 on Saturday morning.

I’ve been getting out of bed without an alarm for my early morning runs the past couple weeks.  A few times, I’ve actually read for a while before going running so that I wouldn’t actually get back before Adam even got out of bed. I don’t want to wake the sleeping beast.  He’s weird about his sleep.

I’d intended to run 5, and I was actually feeling really, really good this morning except for a very nagging, um, intestinal issue.  So nagging that by the end of mile 2, I knew I wouldn’t make it to 5.  I kept running.  At 3, I had to stop and walk a bit, then ran to 4 where I made the decision to head home rather than complete my last mile-loop.  Gurgle gurgle.

I’ve never had to do that before, but luckily, I’m not in serious training mode so I’m able to not really care.  At all. I only regret that this was one of those runs where I was forgetting about actually running and focusing on the podcast I was listening to.  I love when that happens – miles fly by without feeling them.  I wish I could’ve milked that feeling a bit longer, but alas my intestines were calling me home.

As I reflect today on running and all it’s done for me over the past few years, on the reasons I love running in all it’s raw and sweaty glory, I’m happy to be able to enjoy the lovely gardenias in my neighbors yards and the reflection of the post lights off the little lakes down the block.  I’m so glad to spend an hour with my best friend every week to catch up on our family events, friend’s gossip and general life decisions. I’m happy my body is strong and able to carry me.  I’m thankful for the energy and motivation I get from pounding my feet on the pavement, day after day.

Whatever “National Running Day” is, it’s a day to go for a run and remember why you do it at all.  Thanks, running.