The Ever Evolving Runner

The ever evolving runner.  

I had to laugh the other day, as Guy and I ventured out on our home grown 50k.  A few feet into our training run, my legs felt like lead, my pack oddly uncomfortable on my back and my reservoir tube tasted like fabric softener. Not a great start.  The first mile is always the hardest, always has been, always will be.

As the miles plug by, my smile starts to emerge…this has Guy chuckling. He turns to me and says, “The Evolution of Krista.”  This observation got my wheels turning.  With running, reflection is key, like, “Wow, that was the best run/race EVER.”  Somehow we forget the blisters, the nausea, the chaffing, the bad stuff.  The good rises to the top, like fresh cream.

Spring in my step

Mid run brings the endorphins to the forefront.  The world seems brighter, my legs lighter, the sun sparkling in the sky.  Running has a sense of magic that it brings to your body.  It’s also a time that I can sort out the millions of thoughts bouncing around in my head.  Deadlines due, are my kids happy, did I leave the oven on, so on and so on.  Even though Guy and I spend most of our training miles together, there are moments we are inward.

Last Miles

This is where the engine starts sputtering.  When you know you have a few miles left and it feels like an eternity.  This happened on our 50k recently.  We didn’t quite plan the loop accordingly, leaving ourselves a few miles short.  Running past the car and adding the last miles is tough…on the mind.  Legs are happy to go along for the ride, but the mind is revolting.  “The car is warm, the car has food and drinks, the car means we’re done.“  The mental aspect of running is mind blowing.  

Reflection

Ahhhh, the afterglow.  Basking in your accomplishment, whether it’s a long training run, a race, or a tough climb.  YOU did it.  You are ELATED!  The runner’s high is real and it’s why I keep coming back.  The evolution of Krista is a funny one, one that many can probably relate to.  I love running, I just can’t get enough!

See ya on the trails or in the mountains… xoxoxo