Flow Running

Running has been a hobby of mine since I was twelve years old and discovered it as an activity at summer camp.  I realized quickly that I was sort of a natural - running came easily to me and I loved the feeling of the hard work it took to keep going even as fatigue set in.  In middle and high school, I enjoyed outdoor and indoor track, finding my perfect race in the 600 yard dash. 

Over the years I have run several times a week for fun, and even competed in the occasional 5k, 10k and half marathon.  But my style of running has evolved, and now has its own distinction from most long-time runners.  I like to call my style "flow running".  What it means is that I run several times/week without a specific goal in mind.  I don't know how long I will run for, how many miles it will be or even exactly what my route will be until I set out the door and see how I feel.  This may sound crazy, but it really works for me, and helps to keep things fresh since I don't get locked into a routine.  Some days I may run three miles slowly, other days I may run nine miles at a good clip.  I trust my body and flow with how it is feeling.  I give myself a break on days that are harder for me, and watch myself pass the limits on the days that I can churn it out, like our first day back from Japan when I breezed through eight miles after not running for close to a month.  Most importantly, I never leave a run feeling negative - each time I put in the best effort I possibly can, and on the last few steps before reaching my house I take a minute to really feel my body and to remember why this is my hobby - because I love it!