Running

I was finally able to get back down to the treadmill in the gym at the hotel today. I ran longer than I did last week, which was encouraging. I feel like I can even see a slight difference in the mirror, but that could just be all in my head because I feel so much better now that I am eating well. It's amazing how even the process of losing weight can give you a little more confidence. There's some sort of satisfaction in just knowing you are doing something to make your life a little better.

I hate running on a treadmill. The little lights that blink until you've gone one imaginary lap around an imaginary track, how there's really nothing to look at except the mirror (which is really no fun to look in at all) or the treadmill screen (which just makes you want to quit). Today while running, I recalled a cool summer night, about two years ago now (Has it been that long?), when Joshua and I and some friends of ours, Zach and Michelle, were training for a half marathon. We ran four miles straight for the first time that night. I had mapped a beautiful run around the neighborhood online.

Larchmont was such an amazing neighborhood for running. Most of it was completely flat (like most of Tidewater), and the streets were lined with blooming crape myrtles and old, but well-cared for homes. I used to run around those streets and house shop. There were so many to choose from, and every one of them different from the one beside it. The most difficult part of the run was when we would run over the Hampton bridge, all the way to Terminal Boulevard, and then back over the bridge and all the way home. The Hampton bridge was the only hill, but it was long, and when you are used to running on flat ground, it seemed pretty steep. When we finished the run, though, it was such an amazing feeling. It was starting to get dark and there was a nice, cool breeze. We were with great friends and everything around us just seemed... beautiful.

Running on a treadmill just seems like a means to an end. Running outside is like an adventure. It's a conversation with a good friend and a time to dream and pray and praise God for the beautiful creation all around you. I can't wait to experience that again. Louisville will be a great place for it, too. There are so many beautiful parks and neighborhoods. For now, I'll settle for the treadmill.