hearts

Dear Running,

We met back in 2006… it seems like so long ago. I think I was wearing some basketball shoes and probably shorts that were too long, but we went on a 3-mile run together along the Great Highway in San Francisco. It was an out-and-back route on an overcast morning with fog in the air. It would be the beginning of a relationship that’s going on 8 years.

There have been a lot of mornings where we met in the dark, reflective gear on and headlamps shining bright… then watched the sun rise together. We’ve shared snacks that come in packets, both good and bad. We’ve even shared drinks together, sometimes in a bottle, sometimes in a cup and also out of a fountain. We’ve had a lot of really great runs together — long and short. But we’ve also had more than our fair share of bad runs together, but we always make up and try to give it another go… that’s our special bond.

When a few days go by and I don’t see you, it becomes real apparent how dependent I am on you. You’ve helped me deal with so many things in my life. You’ve been there for me when I need to relieve some stress and when I need to clear my head. You’ve been there for me when I’m feeling really happy and simply enjoy being outside. Come to think of it… you are always there for me. Fast. Slow. Long. Short. Indoors. Outdoors. You are simply there for me when I need you.

Thank you running. Thank you for being you and for allowing me to be me.

Roses are red. Medals are gold. I want to run forever, even when I’m old.

I challenge you to write a “roses are red” poem about running. GO!