Getting High

Morning Run

My alarm sounds its 5:45 am and the sun is not even awake yet.  Slowly I role out of bed wishing I could go back to dreaming.  After slipping into my shorts I grab my shoes and head down the stairs to grab a class of water.   Finished with my water I put on my shoes, stretch a bit, and walk out the door.  “Here I go again,” I say to myself as I take off on another summer day’s morning run.  

I start off slow because my body still feels tight and cold from a long night of sleeping.  The grass feels wet on the back of my calf as I kick up the dew with every stride.  Through the woods I make my way steadily picking up the pace as my body warms and my spirits rise.  Next, the sun begins to wake to join me on my run shining its warm beams on me through the trees.  Then the birds also join me as they sing their morning songs making the run more enjoyable.  Three miles have come and gone and I am starting to feel loose so I pick up the pace.  As I reach mile 7 my body feels warm and loose as I swiftly make my way around every turn in the woods increasing my pace even more.  Then it happens, the feeling that I live for.  It is the feeling that makes me want to get out of bed at 5:45 am; it’s the feeling that makes me glad that I am a runner.  Runners high.   When it hits me I no longer feel the fatigue of the last 7 miles.  My body feels fresh and I feel as if I am now floating through the woods with absolutely no pain.  The sun feels brighter, the woods smell fresher, and suddenly running seems effortless.  I am not just running any more, I am living.  Flying through the dirt path that I have memorized my spirits are as high as ever.  Finally I reach mile 10 and my run is over.  Feeling awake and refreshed I am ready to face the day.

Four days a week this was my routine for the summer as I prepared myself for the upcoming cross country seasons.  It may seem like work to most, but for me it was far from work.  Running was my first love and I still love to run even today.  Even when I am old and unable to run any longer I will still love running. For you see, I will never forget the wonderful days that I have given to running and running has given to me.