Lost My Groove

Running has been and always will be a form of meditation. I feel free when I run. I've always been able to get out the door and calm my mind just by slipping on a pair of running shoes and pounding out a few miles.

It's the breathing. It's the rhythm of the stride. It's being outside. It's how my head shuts down.

I'm not unique. I've talked to many, many runners and they feel exactly the same way.

With all that said, my stride is labored. My breathing is as well. Running feels like a struggle. So what's worse: being sidelined or struggling to get in a 35 minute run? Without a doubt the struggle. I'm not happy about it - but the struggle is better. How do I know?

I've been here before. I had ACL surgery in May of 2000... and my gate was atrocious. It was horrible. People cringed watching me run. I still cringe thinking about it.

Several months ago I really thought I'd never really run again. I mean really run. Like compete. RUN. But I will. It just sucks right now. And it's sucked before, it's sucked worse. And as a guy I know says, "Sometimes you just have to put your head down and walk into the wind."

So, that's what I gotta do.

I keep lacing up my shoes. I found a track. I carve out time to make it to optimal surfaces.
I make changes.
I keep trying.
I continue.

And one day, I'll run effortlessly. Easily. It will flow again. I'll find my groove.