I have to admit, in the days after the NYC Marathon, I have felt in a bit of a funk. I’ve been a little crabby, all I want to do every day is run, but some days my body has felt a little off, and I’ve been tight and sore. To be expected as my body is recovering, but frustrating all the same. This morning I slept in a little longer than I had hoped, I had grand plans of going for a run and then getting in the pool for a bit. I still had time to both, but when I peeked out the window and saw the rain streaming down, I knew I had to push my original plans to the side and follow my heart. There are few things in this world I enjoy more than a peaceful morning run in the rain.
I left the Garmin at home, strapped on my regular running watch – I would have left that at home too had I more time before I had to start my work day. I didn’t want to think about pace, splits, distance, etc. I just wanted to run. And that’s what I did. I started at my usual spot, but I deviated from my regular route and decided to explore. I ran down streets I have never ventured on before. I ran a bit on the paved bike path. I basically just turned right or left whenever I felt like it. I never once thought about whether I was running too slow, I didn’t feel any tightness or aches in my legs! I looked up at the dark, stormy sky and smiled multiple times allowing the rain to wash over me. I ran through and jumped in mud puddles. I picked out a favorite house on each street and thought about the families that might live there. I imagined living in them myself. I daydreamed about the day that I can leave the front steps of my home and run a few feet before hopping on the bike trail in my neighborhood. I will live in Uptown Westerville one day. I thought about how excited I was to go to yoga class tonight. I wished it was Friday, my day off of work so that I could run as long as I wanted and didn’t have to punch the time clock. I wished that this moment could last forever. I ran through the local University’s campus and smiled at the students bundled up in their sweatshirts, carrying their umbrellas, most likely sleep deprived and unshowered, trudging to class and silently cursing themselves for signing up for an early morning lecture. I peeked in the windows of the local shops as I ran by, occasionally noticing my reflection in the panes of glass. I looked strong. I saw a new store that opened featuring mid-century modern furniture. It made me really excited to check out the new local business, but also sad for the business that occupied the space before this new tenant. What is here today may not be tomorrow. Life is fleeting and can change in an instant. I considered the upcoming holidays. I hoped that it would snow a little bit on Thanksgiving, just in the morning during the Turkey Trot, but not too much so it would keep people from traveling to visit families. I thought about my family. I love them so. We are all so different, yet all connected by a strong thread. I thought about my dad, my heart ached a little bit. I miss him a lot. I knew he was with me on this run, and I have a hunch he had a little something to do with this rainy morning gift. Then there were moments where I didn’t think of anything at all. Before I knew it I was back at my car, 60 minutes had elapsed and it was time to continue with my obligations for the day.
Before getting into my car, I looked up at the sky once more and smiled, fully aware of the blessings that came my way in the form of raindrops and the run.
Beautiful, albeit a melancholic post. Hope you’re feeling better!