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.

Confession of a Love Affair

I have a confession to make: I've been having a love affair.

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.