So THAT'S Why I Run!

Yesterday's five mile run, in the relative coolness of early-evening-Brooklyn, ranks in my top twenty runs. Ever. 

Five days into my fall marathon training. Yesterday was supposed to be a very easy pace (9:27  pace/mile). Again not wearing a watch, I gauged pace by effort, knowing that, as is my inclination, I would run too fast.

To my surprise and great joy my run was truly perfect. I was at the center of it. I noted during one particularly wonderful mile, my third, that I was completely in the moment, at ease, and gliding effortlessly. 

I returned home excited to look at my running app to see what had occurred. First, as suspected, I ran every mile faster than recommended. Mile one was not far off (9:10) and three of my miles (2, 4, and 5) were very consistent (within a couple of seconds of 8:40). 

Ah, but that third blissful mile. That mile. That mile that felt effortless. And perfect. And gliding. And easy. I ran that mile in six minutes and fifty-two seconds. Which for me is pretty darn fast. (My cousin and running buddy Scott later congratulated me on being only 2:30 off pace!)

So, what I learned:

1. The first mile of most runs sucks. It's hard, plodding, I'm a little breathless, and I want to abandon the run and instead sit on my porch with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, depending on the hour.
2. On a good day, the mile one sluggishness lifts for every mile beyond the first. 
3. I love mile three and it loves me back. 
4. There is something to this running-slow-to-recover thing. 
5. However, if I want to run slowly, I cannot run in places near other fast runners. Or, if I do, I need to wear headphones and blinders. Or practice mindfulness. I really like to run hard and pass people.

Today I am happy and looking forward to: 1) slowing down; and 2) days of speed. Maybe the endorphin tap is now on and won't shut off. But so what?! I'll take it. 

Yesterday is why I run.