Runner's High

With less than four weeks left to go, I’m feeling more confident about the race. This weekend was my first-ever 10-miler. Yes, it hurt, but not as bad I thought it would and not for very long. After an afternoon nap, my leg pains were pretty much gone. (… if only the nasty headache I had would have gone away, too.)

One of the greatest things about this endeavor is that I reintroduced myself to the runner’s high. It’s something that happens at different points for people, but it’s one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Remember when you were young and running around without a care in the world. You know, when you thought you were invincible and the only thing stopping you from getting to the top of the tree was fear of the trouble you would get in from the adults, not fear of falling.

That’s what it’s like for me. My first two or three miles are spent psyching myself into my runs. (Because I run in the mornings, there is a huge mental wall in the way at times, but I chug on.) At around mile three and four, I feel good. Wow, I’m running. Me, the girl who had the doctor write a permanent note for gym class so she would NEVER have to run; and I’m pretty good. Mile five is cake (and I often dream of the cake I can eat since I did run!). From there it's bliss… I just get this huge boost of energy like I can do anything… climb the highest tree, jump from the sky or, even run a marathon (crazy).

Don’t worry; I don’t think there is a marathon in my future, because runner’s high can’t fix my knee, but it is truly one of the greatest feelings. If you’re not into running, swim a mile or bike about 15 miles – it happens then, too. Pushing your body to its limits feels awesome – I highly recommend it!