I only had time for a short run today. And I was bummed about it. It was gorgeous out. Nothing but sun and blue sky. I’d call it a Savory Day. It was the first really Spring feeling day yet. The kind of day you don’t want to rush through. Especially on the heels of one of the most tedious winters I can remember. And yet, that’s what I was doing—Rushing. Not savoring.
I was hell bent on squeezing in a run before Vet Appointment #32 of the year with Miss Evil Beagle. I had the appointment in my phone for Tuesday. Wrong-O. It was Monday. And I was sitting in traffic with a lot of angry indivuals who clearly didn’t get a visit from the Easter Bunny yesterday. Crabby. All of them. I pulled in the driveway, ran inside, took the pups out quick-quick and shimmied into my shorts and t-shirt. Ahhhhh. There you are. Now we’re talking. I only have 30 minutes. I am so not showering before this appointment.
Off I go.
In my head, I frantically run through my week: Am I running long on Saturday? Should I race on Sunday? It’s my Birthday on Saturday. Gah. I almost forgot. Wonder what we’re doing? What am I cooking this week? Can I make it to Trader Joe’s before they close? What day is that study coming down at work? I hope it turns out well. Damn! I need to register for that 2 day seminar. I wonder who’s speaking? Can I make it to yoga this week? I need it. I guess I’ll lift Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday then? Good grief. STOP.
On. And on.
I’m so busy thinking, planning, obsessing, and organizing, that I’m not even ENJOYING the run. Or the sun on my face. Or the fact that I am FINALLY running in shorts. I’m not clearing my mind. I am scheduling my goddamn week within an inch of its life. When did my runs turn into this? Can’t I shut down for 30 stinking minutes? Why can’t I let go, and just run?
Then this happens.
I turn onto a windy road about three quarters of a mile from my house. I see a Little Boy walking. He is kicking rocks and walking slowly by himself. I startle him. I didn’t mean to. But I did. He sees me. Stops. Turns. Looks back. And waits. He looks about 8 years old. I run up to him, as if to pass, and smile. He looks me dead in the eye.
You wanna race?
3 little words. Ready. Set. Go. And just like that. We were off. This Little Boy and I ran against each other as if our lives depended on it. Side by side. Stride for stride. His face pure determination. Mine? A smile as wide as the sun. We tore down Half Mile Road. Just he and I. Outside. On a clear blue sunny day. For those few minutes, nary a care in the world. No schedules. No appointments. No plans. Racing and laughing. Running, simply for the pure joy of running. It was a gift. When he got to his driveway, he threw his arms up victorious, breaking the imaginary tape.
I WIN!
I yelled thanks. And challenged him to a rematch. I just kept sprinting on home. Smiling. Running as fast as my legs would take me. Trying to hang on to that feeling for as long as I could. To be a kid! That Little Boy gave me such a wonderful Birthday present. I wish I had a jar to bottle it up. I would breathe in its simplicity every time I felt cluttered. So simple and pure. I don’t ever want to lose that feeling.
When I got to my driveway, I did the same thing as my friend.
Arms up. Tape broken. Victorious.
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Awee. So much fun and randomness. Kids are adorable.! I love that you raced a little boy, so cute. 🙂
So random. And so damn fantastic! I’m still smiling about it. It was a nice reminder to just RUN! Like ya mean it! 🙂
What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
That little squirt made my day! I’ll keep you posted on the rematch. Too stinkin’ cute. 🙂
I.LOVE.THIS!!!
True. Story. It was FANTASTIC. 🙂
Oh my, this is an awesome story!! Happy birthday!
I loved that there was an actual kid, outside playing WITHOUT an iPhone strapped to his hand! 🙂
Awww just brilliant!!!
Such a fun run! 🙂
AAAAAAAAAAdorable.
But way too much movement all at once 😉
Truly adorable. And truly too much hustle and bustle. 🙂
Wish I could say I did that more often, but I don’t. Did you ever notice that kids are usually ALWAYS smiling when they run. Adults usually have some sort of grimace. Kids got the running for fun on lock.
They sure are always smiling while running— that is once they unplug from whatever device they’re tethered to! Me? I have a pained look. With an occasional smile 🙂
Hmmm a Garmin-less run … I had a handful of them back in February when my watch broke and I was in between getting a replacement watch. I enjoyed the runs and took my time in getting a new watch
You know, a bunch of my recent runs have been Garmin-less. It’s like running naked! LIBERATING!!!! How’s the running going Lee? All good I hope, Buddy!
Bahahaha “running naked” well there goes an image that has been burned into brain for the day … thanks Colby lol
You Silly Rabbit. 😉
Nice story with a happy ending. However, on behalf of the Beagle Owners of America I take issue with your characterization of my client as evil since the breed has always been known for whimsy, playfulness and expensive trips to the vet. You can expect to hear from our attorney in the next few days unless you continue to run sans a satellite enabled time piece. Woof, woof.
This bitch is Evil. Trust me. Besides, she’s got a bang up lawyer. Bring it. *Beagle howls*
i totally had one of those “savory runs” last night along the Hudson River — one of those loving my life moments where everything just stands still and you’re completely at peace.
love that story! so heart-warming. 🙂
I’m so glad you had a “savory run!” Those babies just hang around a little longer. Ah! My favorite. And I’m still smiling about that little kid. What a great moment. 🙂
Love this post. My fastest speed is a ground eating walk, but I can relate to the cluttered mind and billion ideas rolling around in your head when trying to find some quiet time in your mind during your exercise routine. Love how you told this story and the unexpected joy in the end. 🙂
My mind is a MESS. And running usually quiets it. Or at least let’s me focus on ONE thought at a time, and not a whole cluster at once! Sheesh. Such a headache! That little kid brought it all back into perspective. Can’t wait for our rematch! Thanks for the lovely comment! 🙂
🙂
That must have been fun. I almost always wear a watch.
I felt great running joy a few weeks ago when I was out running with my club for the first time in weeks. I forgot how much I enjoyed it. It was so cool to realize at that moment that I was having a good time. I was in the moment.
That’s the best damn part of running Andy! I think we need to lasso those moments—especially when running becomes tough. 🙂
I had a few moments of that tonight. Got in 7.22 miles and except for my knee, it felt so good to be out there moving.
Nice job! I managed 5 in the rain. No Little Kid this time, but still a good run!
That sounds like it was a lot of fun! 🙂
Been smiling all day! So much fun!!! Little Squirt.
What an awesome story! Nothing like racing a kid to remember why you like running!
Right?!?! And that little kid could move! It was so great. 🙂
Haha, that’s awesome!!! But I can’t believe you let him beat you! 😉 Yeah, kids are cool that way. They don’t really care about what they need to get done, they just do what’s fun. Like sit down and color for an hour..for no reason. More adults should do that.
But shame for not showering before the appointment – you know how sensitive dogs’ noses are!
Kids are super cool that way. Especially ones that would rather be outside, playing in the dirt, kicking around a soccer ball than on their iPhone playing video games. Way more adults should color. We should start a movement. And to think, I brought my Evil Beagle! Her nose is a SUPER SNIFFER!!! She was mortified BTW.
OK, let’s color and then tag eachother in the Instagram pic of it. We need a hashtag to get this trend started. #AdultWhoColors ???
#OutsideTheLines
I think there’s a TV show with that one, but we’re getting there.
Oops! 🙂
#GrowingOlderButNotUp
THAT’S IT!
#WERULE
Oh gosh love love LOVE your meeting with that little boy angel. Perhaps he was an angel sent down to bring you back to the pure joy of running? I ran in the dark for the first time this autumn. It was pure joy. Couldn’t see anything! But I could hear my feet pounding, my heart racing and my breathing in and out. That was so good. Back to basics and back to the childhood joy of running for running’s sake.
Running WILD! That’s fantastic! We all need a nice reminder of what it feels like to run FREE! No Garmins. No schedules. No specific workouts—just RUN! It was fantastic. I’m waiting for my rematch. 😉
Awesome story!
Good stuff, right?
I’m right there with ya on running through my week/plans/what I need to get done on my runs. Even times my head is clear I still think about what needs to be done. That seems like such a neat moment with that little boy! How precious 🙂
It really was! Every time I’ve run since then, when I start to get all Little Miss Stress, I think of him. And relax. I’m still waiting for my rematch!