On Running

I wrote my thoughts on running about a year ago and had these, quite similar, thoughts today. 

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Some people think that because I run a lot I run fast. 

Let me tell you a little secret, just between you and me. 

I don't. 

I don't run fast at all. 

Sometimes I am insecure about that. 

I *should* be faster. 

I *should* set time goals. 

I *should* try to place, at least in my age group. 

But when I let go of the *should* it's so much fun to run. It's so much fun to have a thing and just go do it with no pressure and no worry and no accolades. With nothing to prove or live up to. 

I had so much fun today. 

I forgot my watch, my water bottle, my knee brace. It was crazy hot and crazy windy. I drove an hour in traffic each way. I paid a race entry fee and a babysitter. I saw a rainbow. 

And I had so much fun. 

 I run because pre-race I feel excited and post-race I feel exhilarated. I run because during running I am challenging myself (slowly) and doing something healthy (slowly). I run because I have been running my entire life and it's in my blood and I don't know what else to do and I get writing ideas when I run and God reaches me when I run and because sweat is cleansing and achy muscles make me feel alive and I sleep better and eat better and everything is better.

 I run because medals. 

I run because I love it. 

And sometimes, like tonight, I run because tacos.