just another run

it's been nice now for days. but yesterday was one of the first days i was actually able to get outside and run. for any number of reasons it just hadn't been happening much as of late. but yesterday there was nothing to stop me. when i arrived home from work i immediately changed into my running clothes and headed for the door. spencer tried to convince me that i should run on the treadmill with all the windows open and it would be similar. i wasn't buying it. i took just my car key and some water and drove to one of my favorite paths. i know with the onset of spring an influx of runners, walkers, bikers, and other mobile and semi-mobile folk have taken to the streets and trails en masse so i deliberately picked this area knowing that it might have some increased traffic but nothing like the lakes or the river. and then i just started running. my garmin was seemingly stalling on picking up satellites but i just felt the urge to get a move on so i started without it. and finally once it beeped its agreement i reset the last run and pressed go. i didn't really have any plan other than to run an out and back. let the day wash over me. and that was what i did. no music. no obligation. no nothing. there was nothing particularly difficult about any of the run. it was nice to see people out. a few runners. people in sweats pushing it as hard as they could perhaps embracing a new exercise plan. others in shorts looking as though this was just a usual run. everyone was friendly - offering a nod or a wave. and i enjoyed myself. i was so happy to be outside breathing in the spring air and pushing myself forward. turned around at three miles and headed back. only goal was to push a little harder. and i did. last mile i dug deep. kept thinking about my goals for an upcoming 10K and spencer's 1K that follows immediately afterward. and how close they are in time and how i will need to push it to make sure i don't miss his race. i don't think it will be a problem. came home feeling refreshed and energized. somedays "just another run" is all you need.