Running

These are the shoes I couldn’t get by without. I wear them almost every day. It’s true, technically, I could run without them, but then I’d get wicked shin splints (my body’s first weakness) and I wouldn’t be able to run anymore.

I run most days, and I’ll run anywhere, but my favourite places to run are by the Ottawa River and on Wolfe Island. Which is why this time of year is great – I get to return to both of these places. The above photo was taken this morning on the Ottawa River pathway near the rock sculptures by Tunney’s Pasture (or where the rock sculptures will be soon).

Not infrequently, when I’m running, small children will turn to their parents and ask “Why she running?” and I’m always surprised. I always expect children will get it. Children will know why I run, because my reasons are very basic.

They are:

– Because I can

– Because sometimes it’s hard

– Because sometimes it’s easy

– Because I can feel my muscles getting stronger, and my lungs working harder while I do it

– Because of all the things I see along the way

– Because I solve problems while I do it

– Because it’s outside

– Because it’s amazing how far your feet can carry you

– Because it makes me a better rider, and skier, and mother

– Because I hope I never have to stop, but if someday I do, I want to make sure I ran every kilometre I could first

– Because sometimes it’s great to run away

There are more reasons, of course, but I’d need to go on a good, long run to think of them all.

If you run what do you get out of it?