All Things That Linger

28
Mar
2012
By

I love the smell of homemade cookies as it lingers through the house long after the baking is done…

…the scent of a man as he walks by wearing just the right amount of the perfect cologne

…the warmth of a baby’s smile after she falls asleep in your arms

…the feeling of contentment after a random act of kindness

…the emotional high of a strong morning run.

These are all things that linger.

When I talk to non-runners about why I run, I rarely discuss the personal achievement side of setting a personal best or placing in my age group or running further than I thought I could. Instead, I attempt to explain that feeling that lingers.

You know what I’m talking about, right?

You get yourself out of bed before dawn and head out the door for a run. For a brief time, you are focused on yourself alone. Your mind relaxes and pushes aside the shrapnel of the day’s expectations. You sweat and feel strong, confident, capable of tackling whatever may come.

Your soul is content.

Isn’t it great when this feeling lasts all day? Your emotions are stable. Your mind is focused. The day – life even – seems 100% do-able. You feel ready.

The lingering effects of running are real and very much a part of one’s daily life. It’s not just about the races, is it?

  • http://twitter.com/DrKRunFit DrK Run Fitness

    I can start a run with a very busy mind.  I always end each run with a ‘clean house’.  And yesterday, after a particularly satisfying 11 mile run on a beautiful spring day, that feeling lasted well into the evening. It’s totally not about the races.

  • Mtbob70

    Conversely, it’s a great way to end a tough day as well! Sweat=stress leaving the body and mind.

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