On frolicking

Just another eastside dirt road run.

Almost everything I have ever written for this blog was created in my head while running.

Every time I've been stressed, angry, tired, sad, or my day has been otherwise negatively impacted, I go on a run.

Sweltering heat or the promise of frozen nose hairs rarely discourage a good evening or early morning jaunt.

There is just something about fresh air, breathing hard, beautiful views, and time alone to think.
[Note: I really do have a hard time on treadmills, so I'm not sure if that makes me a hypocrite or not.]

Friends that claim to "hate running" confuse me. I honestly don't understand how people do not connect positively with a good (or even a bad?) run.

While hiking the other day with a friend who is also training for a half marathon, she claimed she also used to hate running until she learned to do it correctly. She uses the five finger running shoes to ensure proper posture and now loves the sport. I asked her if she read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.

"Nope."

Being on a hike, of course I had to elaborate on the details of this book because a) it is super inspiring and b) we were on a hike, so time was on our side.

Want to be inspired to run ultramarathons (50K, 100K and the like)? Read it.

Born to Run explores endurance athletes, the advent of barefoot running, the Tarahumara running tribe in Mexico, and McDougall's own journey from couch potato to ultra runner.

It is a remarkable book on the topic. I dare you to read it. You will want to run 20 miles immediately afterward.

Of course, my mom gave me this book while I was laid up with a knee injury and could hardly walk, let alone run. I know that having the ability to run taken away from me for large chunks of time makes every run that much more special, but I like that. I like getting back to my car after a long run and thanking my lucky stars (and my body) for such a great experience.

My biggest takeaway from the book, that I remember despite having read the book five years ago is this: the best way to stay healthy and happy while running is to run like a child. Run like it is fun. Run with a smile. Throw your head back and enjoy it. Stop competing, forget "training." Just run because you can. Run because you love it.