This is not me in the photograph however this sport/routine/enviornment has brought so much to my life in the past 30+ uears. I 'enjoyed' running as far back as I can remember, even in Junior High School. I ran track in HS and after that keep on running...kind of like, Run,Forest,Run! I started running in local races in the late 70's running 10K's. I would train everyday after work, never failed, first things first. I kept a log of my daily mileage, time, travel and route taken.
Several years later I had moved to a new house where the summers were considerably warmer. I really liked the hot climate and being out in the sun just sweating it out and 'gettin in my groove'. At the end of my runs I felt totally satisfied that I had done something good for my health and mind. Many years later, after having moved again, I found off-road running to be a bit more challenging and the scenery was much more pleasant than sucking up exhaust fumes from running on the road. It was easier on the feet too. I loved the cross country running events.
This generated into longer training runs. I later joined two running clubs, one locally and one in a nearby town where in fact I met my wife who was/is also a runner. We trained together occassionally however our training styles somewhat differed and we decided it best to 'run our own race'. We both got involved in running marathons and I went on to do an ultramarathon (50K) which is about 31+ miles.
For those of you that have done marathons and ultras, there is no greater satisfaction at the end of a long run. Totally exhausted, beaten, sore, and looking forward to the next one!! Such a glutton for punishment we are!!!!
Running is such a fantastic journey. It has done so much for me, both physically, socially and emotionally. It is one the greatest highs. My closest friends are those I've run and trained with over the years.
Its such a simple thing too: LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT ...