The Runner's High

Those who have done any sort of long distance running have likely heard of the Runner's High. It's  the sense of euphoria that sometimes occur during a long/hard run. My lucky friend Michele experienced one during her 12-mile run the other day where she floated through the last couple of miles effortlessly. I've had similar experience in some of my runs, though nothing as magical as the one she experienced. I do always experience a different kind of high after a long run - the high of accomplishment!

Today I experienced a different one. It wasn't so much a high as an unexpected gift. I was running intervals at the track - 4x800 4x400 4x200, when this little girl started running in front of me and then next to me. She had piggy tails and a sweet disposition, I would guess her age to be around 7. I asked if she liked running which she answered in the affirmative. I then told her she was doing great and gave her the thumb up before taking off. When I came around again she ran up to me and gave me a flower. I was so surprised and moved that I put it in my hair and left it there for the rest of the run. I slowed down and chatted with her while she ran next to me in her rain boots. She quickly became tired so I continued. When I came around again she was leaving with her dad and asked if and when I would be going back. I told her that maybe I'll see her next week and to keep running!

When I got home I looked at the flower and thought of the sweet little girl. Her gift to me reminded me of the joy that running had given me. The discovery of it was a gift. I put the flower in one of my heavy animation books for safe keeping. When I get around to putting together a scrapbook for my running I will put it on a special page.

I got another nice surprise later in the day. The photos that I ordered from Bay to Breakers arrived! Since Russ wasn't able to go with me to take photos on the course, I decided to buy them from the official photographer. There were a few that I really liked which I thought captured the fun I had running this race. It is after all unique among all the races that I will likely ever run. They are definitely going into the scrapbook. :-)