The Truth About Running

Damn, my running clothes stink.

I'm not one of those "dainty joggers" that goes out there in a perfectly coordinated outfit with perfect hair pulled back, a delicate glow of perspiration on my forehead. Nope, that's not me at all.

When I hit the streets at 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning, it's after rolling out of bed, splashing water on my face, hair yanked back any which way that's out of my face, clothes thrown on. I get out there with my teeth unbrushed, my B.O. drifting up into my face after barely getting warmed up. My face turns beet-red and I sweat buckets.

No, people, for those of you who aren't aware, running is a far from glamorous sport. Sweating, spitting, blowing one's nose without a tissue, and clothes so drenched in pit-smell that even the strongest of detergents can't fully erase it. You've got to deal with sloshing through puddles, squishing through slushy sidewalks, slipping on icy sidewalks, sharp snowflakes slicing at your eyeballs, rain pelting your face, sub-zero temperatures biting at your extremities and humidity so bad that you feel like you're covered in grease after the first ten minutes. There's blisters, pulled muscles, chafing, cramping, blackened toenails and greased nether-regions.

The good news about running is that anyone with the kahunas can do it. All you need is a decent pair of shoes and some comfy clothes and you're all set. You're propelled forward by your own body and strength of character. You can do it pretty much anywhere. There's nothing like seeing the sun rise or making it home after facing a particularly difficult challenge like snow or rain or sore muscles. The energy boost it gives me is unmatched by any other. It's a lonely sport, that tests your ability to be alone with your thoughts and focus on your mind, body, and spirit. It's like meditation - with sweat.

Running - real running - isn't for the quickly offended, easily grossed out wimp. When it comes to running, only the strong survive. But as they say, that which doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.

I love everything about it.

Now...time to wash those running clothes. Oh wait a second - they ARE clean. heh