What I've been getting from running

1) The ability to persevere when you feel and think that you are completely drained or that there is no hope left of reaching your goal.

I've lost count of how many times this has happened. Having gone through the process painfully and slowly, I distinctly remember how hopeless and lonely you feel when you are running alone on a trail, miles from the nearest drinking water/food source or any transport to take you back home. And you've been running for several hours already, your thighs and hips are aching with every step - getting stiffer and tighter, feet feel rubbery and sore , knees hurt, sweat has drenched your body but has dried on your face leaving coarse salty residue that itches. Sometimes you simply forget the reason why you are doing this. It is in those moments when you stick to the plan in spite of all that and keep taking one step after another in a journey bereft of hope, that your mettle is tested. Keep moving and doing what you think is right even if your mind keeps telling you that you are not going to make it. This lesson has proved useful in many other areas.

I think that, like willpower, perseverance is a quality you acquire through practice - regular, painful practice. A typical novel or film hero often has this quality from birth, but I assume that is very rare in real life.

2) A changing perception of distance. 3 miles..10 miles..20 miles are not what they used to mean earlier.

3) A deeper appreciation for people who are physically active and who have shaped their bodies well through effort than through shortcuts.

4) A rewarding lifestyle.

5) Lots of free, organic, intracranial, noninvasive, endorphin shots.

This weekend's 8 mile run was pretty eventful, two bike accidents and yours truly hitting the dirt but escaping with only a graze on the knee. The landscape more than compensated for it - the river, evening sun being swallowed by clouds on the horizon, sea gulls going for a last catch and a cool breeze. Should've clicked a photo.