With running.
It started rather casually, we'd been on-again, off-again for decades. There were years we really weren't close at all, though certain nostalgic moments, such as crisp fall days, would remind me of a fondness we'd once shared. Then, three(ish) years ago, I decided I kind of liked running...a lot. So I gave it some attention and it seemed to really like me back. And gradually, we've gotten closer, running and I.
But recently, running swept me off my feet! I've been in LOVE! Running has taken over my thoughts and monopolized my book selection. I've mooned over training plans, race goals, and new pink Mizuno Wave Creation 14s. I've chosen to spend time with running over anything else. Just thinking about running makes me giddy!
My husband, thankfully, has been supportive of this relationship. Had he tried to intervene...well, I wouldn't have left him for running, but it would definitely have put a rift between us.
It's been fun, this love affair. But I'm sort of ready for the honeymoon period to end. I've concluded I'm in it for the long haul, that we'll be together for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I'd like to grow old with running. I trust that running also wants to be with me and will love me back as long as I continue to nurture it.
This isn't to say I don't feel just as strongly about meeting the goals we've set or that I plan to spend any less time on training. Only that perhaps I can stop obsessing, that infatuation can give way to something deeper, more grounded, more balanced.
I'm not sure I'll be able to achieve this balance. I suspect, like most great loves, running and I will experience ebb and flow. I imagine running will let me down sometimes, and sometimes it will be me who is doing the letting down. We are likely never to be regarded as a "power couple", but perhaps our quiet commitment to one another will be an inspiration to others who struggle to stay together through thick and thin.
The foundation is there. And I know we will be tested. We've yet to experience a major injury or illness. If we can keep our head about us and learn from others who have been where we want to go, we may just have a chance.
