Run, Forrest, Run

I love to run. I don’t run fast but I can run far. I run in every season and in all weather conditions except ice. (Even I’m not THAT crazy!) I have running clothes for -10° and 100°. Some of my fondest memories are runs with my daughter and other running friends.

I didn’t start running until I was 40. Although the rest of my body has gone to hell in a handbasket, my knees and back are holding up pretty well. I consider running my therapy. I solve my problems, say my prayers, and count my blessings while I run. I put in my airpods, turn up the music (don’t judge), and tune out the worries of the world.

I prefer to run streets rather than trails for several reasons. A long run on a trail can result in becoming pretty isolated and vulnerable; there might just be lions and tigers and bears, oh my! I run streets so I can enjoy landscapes and nature while still being close to civilization, sprinklers, and shade trees. There are other challenges: It’s hard to find fellow runners who like to run long, slow miles; it’s difficult to find people my age who like to run; and it can be hard to run in sweltering heat or bitter cold. Dogs off leash present a special kind of terror, but nothing compares to distracted or disgruntled drivers.

Most people who run streets actually do so on sidewalks or side streets. That said, if you see someone running on the actual street it is probably because the sidewalk is slanted or slick, neither of which bode well for runners. Stop signs, stop lights, and crosswalks also offer opportunities for disaster.

I appreciate drivers that switch lanes to give me extra room when sidewalks are snow-packed and I have to run on the shoulder, risking life and limb. Thumbs up to drivers that let me know they see me, and motion for me to proceed. Mad props to those who wait for me to run past the street they want to turn into, rather than turning in front of me. And finally, major kuddos to those who resist the urge to honk!

Over the years, many people have asked me to teach them how to run – a request that always makes me smile. It really is as simple as a good pair of shoes, then left foot, right foot. Start on a track. Walk 25 paces, run 25 paces. Slowly and gradually, shorten the walk and lengthen the run. Another approach is to run for time. Start out running 1 minute (or 20 seconds, you do you) and increase your time as your body becomes acclimated. When I started running, it took me a month to run a mile without stopping. I thought I was Usain Bolt!

My best running advice: Just Do It!