Last night I had a run that reminded me of why I fell in love with running in the first place. The big storm that passed through Southern California about 10 days ago left in its wake weather in San Diego that easily competes with the most perfect summer days. The last few days have been in the low 80s even at the beach, the sun has been shining and the sunsets are epic.
My run was my second run post-marathon and it was definitely my best run of 2014. I had planned to get on the trainer after work to do an easy spin, but I couldn’t resist the urge I was feeling to get out on the road. Daylight savings time meant that even though I got home from work at 6 p.m. the sun was still high in the sky. The temperature was in the 70s and the my Oiselle bum wrap and origami tank were calling my name.
I ran alone and without a Garmin. I didn’t care about my heart rate, my cadence, my pace, or anything else. I just ran. I ran the same route I run all the time yet it seemed even better than ever. Everyone was out and about on the sidewalks and the boardwalk yet the crowds which sometimes clog up the sidewalk didn’t bother me a bit. I watched the surfers as they came out of the water, the mothers pushing their baby strollers, the children playing at their campsites, the girl friends catching up over a walk, the hippies at the park picnicking and singing, the focused, serious runners breathing deeply and the casual joggers just trying to burn some calories. A route I’ve run hundreds of times was more entertaining than it has ever been before.
Although my legs didn’t feel the most light they ever have and I certainly wasn’t breaking any personal records, this was an amazing run. I was running for the joy of it. Not because anyone told me to or because I want to qualify for Boston. As the sun started to set I stopped and took pictures, smiled at strangers and stopped again for more pictures of the same beach, the same walkway, the same view I’ve seen thousands of times. Yet it was the most beautiful it’s ever been.
I’ve learned some valuable lessons in the four years that I have considered myself a “runner.” I think the most important of all was the lesson I learned in Phoenix – when running only is about numbers and data, it takes you away from the reason you fell in love with running in the first place. I’m hoping that this run was the start of finding my way back.
Those pictures look awesome! I used to live in San Diego and I definitely miss days like that. I am so jealous of your perfect running weather and views!
Great post! I love those runs that make you fall in love with the sport all over again. Thanks for the inspiration:)
I recently did a similar run. It was a beautiful day and I took a camera with me an stopped whenever a view was worth it which was often. That’s something I don’t usually do because my average pace won’t look too good but it’s sometimes good to ignore all that. In fact long runs, easy runs and recovery runs, do basically the majority of my runs are now run without a care for pace or HR. Just run.
Sounds amazing! I’m so happy you loved your run. After a hard race or run, it can be daunting to get back out there for enjoyment.
That’s part of the reason I have no races planned for this year: running purely for enjoyment and hitting the trails for a change of scenery and pace!
This post gave me chills at the end. It was perfect and I am so glad that you were able to come back to that feeling so quickly. Your sunset pictures are always so stunning!
Just what the doctor ordered. 😀
Love this and your photos are awesome! Running for “me”, for “fun” is my goal this month. No training plan, no scheduled distances, just run when it feels good and when I really want to do it. Those are by far the best runs!
Great pictures!! Seems like the perfect run to have!!!
Beautiful post — both in words and pictures. So glad you got to the core of running love. xo
Thank you! 🙂