I'll never take you for granted again.

Running, please, please don't break up with me. I promise, I'll never take you for granted again.

It was careless of me to speak of us so lackadaisically, as if you aren't as essential to my well-being as eating, or breathing. As if I had control over my passion for you, like you are something to be contained.

I didn't mean it like that, really. I only meant that perhaps we were getting too enraptured, spending too much time together. And even when we weren't together, I was thinking about you, planning our next encounter. Maybe you've misunderstood and thought I meant that I don't care for you, or that I could give you up.

Not true, running. Not true.

It's not that I've wanted to stay away, I've been injured! And it's been hell! Let me tell you, those first few days after I told you I needed to take a break were torture. I was antsy and quick-tempered, short with my husband and kids (who am I kidding, I nearly bit the head off of anyone who came near). And, it's true, I'll admit, that after a few days apart I started to feel a little apathetic. I mused about how pleasant it was to have all that free time, and I fantasized about having beautiful feet, with all ten toenails. I started to lose sight of our goals... But, it's just that you've dominated my Sundays for so long! Just once, I thought, I could enjoy a lazy morning over bacon and eggs without worrying about impending gastrointestinal distress....I didn't mean I wanted that forever!

That fling with the stairmaster didn't mean anything, I swear. A desperate move, really. I was trying to find something to replace you (temporarily!)...but alas, running, you truly are the only one for me.

Have mercy.

Please. Come back to me.

I think you'll see I've changed. I'm stronger now. I've been taking care of myself - spending lots of quality time with the foam roller and doing so many single-leg squats that they almost resemble the form my trainer demonstrated. I can't guarantee we won't experience occasional setbacks...but please, give me a chance. Stop avoiding me and making it difficult to spend time together....I swear, I won't focus all of my energy on training for a race, getting faster and going farther....we can just be together, enjoying whatever the day brings. If I have to go back to that pole dancing class just to burn off some steam, with all that hip action and fancy choreography (there's a reason I'm a runner, let's not forget)...well, I just don't think I can take it.

If you'll just give us another chance I promise, I will never, ever, take you for granted again.