I believe in running

I believe in the power of running.  In the power of getting up at 4:30 a.m., even though you don't want to, to pound out 9 miles of pure sweat.  I believe it builds character, dedication, because everyone should be forced to do something they don't want to in order to get positive results--it shows us that most things worth having do not come easy.  I believe in wearing out a pair of running shoes every three months, of getting holes in the top and needing new insoles, because you scraped it thin.  I believe this teaches us the power of objects, of how helpful and useful our "things" are--and how you should maximize every ounce of worth.

Running has dramatically changed my life.  It brings me contentment, pleasure, and, even though it brings pain at times, it is worth it in the end.  Running has made me a better person, fitter, healthier, more dedicated, more passionate.  I would not be who I am today without it.

So I miss it this week.  Having torn my oblique muscle is killing me, not just because it hurts to do everything (like, uh, breathe), but because I can't run.  And I realize now how addicted I have become to running, how much my mood depends on it.  I find myself gazing at students' sports bags longingly, because I miss packing my own gym bag.  I notice people jogging on the street, and I want to stab them out of jealousy.

This rib better heal.  And I believe that.