I went out for a run yesterday morning – for the first time in about three weeks. Winter illness, a lot of work travel and inclement weather all combined to stall the running habit this winter. Yesterday I was hit with a bizarre determination to go for a run. Bizarre in that husband was travelling for work, and I had woken up with his alarm in the middle(ish) of the night. So, I was lacking sleep and my running partner. And the weather was atrocious – rain and wind. Not as bad as it has been, but not gentle weather at all.
Nevertheless, I ran. I ran slowly, I had to keep stopping to retrieve the wandering dog who is less keen on running than he used to be. I even stopped for a chat with one of the dog walking friends. But I ran enough to feel I had had a workout.
And it was hugely fun, I had to divert around puddles, I leapt a few of them. I got wet. Very wet. But I had enough layers to stay warm and I certainly felt more awake at the end of the run that at the start of it, which was sort of the point.
I felt hugely grateful for a supply of towels on returning home. For radiators to dry out the very soggy shoes. For the delicious warm shower to recover. For the washing machine in which I could pile the soaked clothing.
A good mix of exhilaration and gratitude for home comforts to start the week.
Now, has writing this encouraged me to go out for another run today?
