RUNNING: My Friend

My friend, where have you been. I have been tired and lethargic since the last we met. I think it was August 2010. Today we met at Liberty Park in SLC. You greeted me as if we had seen each just this last weekend. As I started to run I was excited to begin our relationship anew.

Running, it felt good. I was in high spirits. My legs stretched and flexed in elation to be in the cool dry weather with you once more. I realized I have left you on your own too long. I know how much more energy I have running next to you. Then the pain set in. Running: You did not go easy on me. I know that it was not that you were being vengeful, but you let me know that I had been away too long. My breath started to get shorter and quicker. I could feel my lungs trying to expand as far as possible, as far as they could if not for my rib cage, they most surely would have expanded past my body.

The world slowed down for me to run next to you. Running: My friend, your expectations for me did not diminish. When we last saw each other I was fast and quick and could breath more deeply. You remembered my achievements and did not want me to perform below my best. At the end of the first lap, I was sure that I would fall. But, as I started my second lap around the park I knew I should have just collapsed. However, it is not in me to stop and you counted on that information to make me put forth all my energy to finish my goal of two laps. As the old ladies walked faster than I ran; each step I took helped me get closer to the finish. As the dog owners had their dogs to help pull them, I got closer and closer to the end one foot at a time. As I ran with you, Running: I felt better and remembered the feeling at the end of the run that is nothing but spectacular like that of a certain job completed as intended.

I thank you for the help and realization that I cannot do without you in my life. For a better healthier life full of energy and bursts of speed. Thank you for showing me how important you are. RUNNING: My friend.

I ran 3.2 miles today and feel great. I began with a 1/4 lap and then stopped to do 15 each leg ups on a park bench that had a hieghth of 18 inches. After my legs started to burn I ran the remaining 3/4 of a lap. I took a rest with 10 push-ups and 10 "Ab Wheel" crunching. Then I completed the second lap without stopping.

A great day to run. Hopefully the story above with inspire every one else with memories of working out. Remember it is not only for us that we do these things, but for our kids and families. So that they can have us around longer.

Good luck

James