remember when running was fun?

Remember when running was fun? When was that? I think we, as age groupers, sometimes forget that this sport we've chosen is supposed to be fun. We get so wrapped up in training plans, nutrition, pacing, entry fees & mile splits that we forget why we run. It certainly isn't for prize money or product endorsements. We get a t-shirt, maybe a medal, sometimes a cold beer or a slice of pizza (although I did win a whole pizza at one race!) and the self-satisfaction of a job well done. I'm reminded of one of those "what we think we look like and what we actually look like" memes. The first image is of a runner, beautifully striding down a track while the second image is a little kid barreling along, limbs all pellmell. Maybe we should be running like that little kid more often. That's when running was fun, remember? We didn't care about form or speed—we cared about having fun with our friends. I dare you to at least take a moment on your next run to smell the lilacs or skip the hopscotch game on your way through the playground. Go ahead... I dare you!

Today's workout was general strength training including core and MYRTL. Plus a nice long walk. I stopped to smell the lilacs and hopped my way through the playground! And it was fun!

---