So this is what a good run feels like.

I have read that even a bad day is a good day if it starts with a good run. Ok, so my run today probably doesn’t qualify, but I swear I got a taste of that runner’s high.

Today was the first day that I ran more than I walked. In fact I ran a good lot of the time. It was pretty awesome. I think about the first time I ran, back in November. It felt like I was sucking wind. After just a few feet, my throat was raw, my legs hurt, my side hurt, and I’m pretty sure every other body part hurt. I’ve been running pretty religiously the past month and there have been times I wondered if I would ever really be a runner. I could see some gains - faster pace, the ability to run farther and longer - but they have been so microscopic that it didn’t feel like I was really going anywhere. Today that all changed.

Today I felt like a runner. Running was easier than it’s ever been. I felt like I had really good form a lot of the time. When I did slow down to walk, I’d get right back into running after walking only partway around the track. My goal today was to run 2 miles. I set a goal in January of 15 miles and I was at 13. I wanted to get 2 miles in tonight in case something happens and I can’t get out tomorrow. By the time I got to 1.8 miles I was beat. Nothing hurt, which is amazing, but I was high on endorphins and starting to feel exhausted. I didn’t think I could do even another lap, so I veered off the track and went to put on my jacket. Here’s where the marathon analogy comes in. I told myself I only had 0.2 miles to go. I decided I was going to do that 0.2 even if it killed me. (Why is a marathon 26.2 rather than 26 miles anyway?) I made myself walk the last 0.2 miles so I could make my goal and I did it. I did it, and I am darn proud, although I probably shouldn’t have. I felt dizzy and wobbly and kind of like throwing up when I was done, but I made my goal.

I guess that makes me a runner.