run faster.

This. Every single day.

And, today, I ran – not far, but it was faster than all the running I haven’t done lately. For the first time in three months – since January 10 – I laced up my running shoes.

[After a particularly painful 3.76-mile pavement pounding (my hamstring hounded me the entire run), I stopped running completely in hopes rest would heal my hip and hammy (that damn SI joint dysfunction I mentioned in an earlier post).]

Don’t get me wrong, I hemmed and hawed about going for a good 20 minutes before I stepped out the door (why is that first step always so difficult?!). I thought of 17 excuses of why I shouldn’t go: I’m too sore… the bouncing up and down hurts (I even tested this by jumping around in the living room before I left)… it’s really windy… I can’t lift my arms to put my hair in a ponytail… I’m too tired…

But, then I thought of all the reasons I should go: Moving will feel good after sitting in a car much of the past two days… the sun is shining… it’s been months since my last run… today’s as good as any other to start running again… you never know, my hip and hammy might feel OK… leftover chorizo + kale + sweet potato egg bake will taste really good afterward… my first-ever triathlon is April 28…

So, I went. I put one foot in front of the other and ran. And, aside from an annoying side stitch and aching ears (I knew I should have worn a hat!), it was wonderful. I ran, and that makes me happy.

Run recap: 2.14 miles at 9:28 pace.

Now, it’s time to sleep more…

How are you getting happier today?