The returning runner

Act 28 – Runners just wanna have fu-un…

The sharply curved single-track trail wound through a dense canopy. I could imagine myself in a rain forest with the trees blocking out the sun. I intentionally threw my feet up on the bank on curves – pretending to be slalom skier dancing through the gates. A marshy area appeared in front of me with unavoidable water. I picked a route through the adjacent tall grass – managing to only get one foot wet. Oh, and there was that other thing of two or three other runners trying to catch up and pass me. I was playing! The best playing. Fun just running the route and added cat and mouse fun with some “friends”.

Running should be FUN! I’ve read several posts over the past few days from runners lamenting the stress, the fear of failure, consternation over what to eat and not eat. Oh my! That’s not the way it should be. Enjoy being out. Enjoy the coolness. Enjoy the heat. Enjoy the rain, or sleet, or snow. Enjoy playing a game when you are in a race whether it is a game for first or just the best you can do. Enjoy being alive.

I’m 65 and had the best fun ever at the Chanoko 5k last Saturday. Hoping that your next run is great fun too! The way it should be…

Photo: Some orienteering fun in the woods (try it!) – pic from several years ago