Fleet Feet

Over ten years ago I was part of my high school’s cross-country running team. I wasn’t anything exceptional, but I typically finished in the top 40 percent. Eventually I quit running because I suffered from shin splints. In the last ten years I’ve gone for a run maybe two or three times. It’s quite sad, because I loved the adrenaline rushes and sense of accomplishment after each race. Last week I started running again, and I’m committed to keeping it up. Especially since most of the people around me continually mention how a person suddenly begins gaining weight after the age of 30. I definitely need to start a good exercise habit now; otherwise I know I’ll regret it.

When I experienced shin splints the first time many years ago, I thought I simply needed to stretch my legs more. Come to find out, the shoes I was wearing were not optimal for the sport of running and they were quickly ruining my shins. Who knew a bad pair of shoes could cause so much pain? I went from running ten miles per day, easy, to less than a mile before the shin splints would kick in. This time around I’ve bought a pair of shoes designed for running. Not cross-trainers or tennis shoes. Running shoes. Makes sense, right?

Some of my fondest cross-country training memories include the mountains. Our coach would take us up into the mountains, sometimes to a ski resort, sometimes to an obscure trail in the middle of nowhere, and he’d turn us loose. I’m surprised that, out of a bunch of high school kids, none of us went missing. I really liked running ski resorts in the summer, because the air is cleaner and cooler in the mountains and the flora and fauna are always beautiful and fun to see. The only downside to running the mountainous trails was Tim. Tim somehow always wound up in front of me, and his sweaty body reeked something foul. If I tried to pass him, he took it as a challenge and sped up. If I tried to hang back, he would slow down too. It was as if I were his only competition. Luckily Tim hasn’t showed up in my latest running exploits, so I’m safe for now.

Here’s some important information about me: I can’t stand mornings. I am not a morning person. Sure, I’ll wake up early if I need to, to go on a fishing trip or start the campfire for breakfast, but I’m rarely in a good mood those mornings. When I go running it’s at night. There is something magical about the nighttime, with its cooling breezes, its subdued lighting, its ability to relax and calm after a hard day’s work. Perhaps someday I will learn to appreciate the morning, but until then my affection for the night will continue. Plus, all the energy that I didn’t use during the day can be burned up at night, setting me up for a generally good night’s sleep.

If you’re a runner, stay safe out there. Runners who prefer running in the dark should be as bright as possible. If you’re considering running as a hobby or necessary exercise, you have my admiration. I know how hard it is to pick the sport back up after ten years. And if you’re suddenly assaulted by the smell of rotting hamburger meat, congratulations, you’ve had an encounter with Tim. Happy running and watch out for those nasty shin splints!