8 out of 9

My house is located at the bottom of a long steep hill. This means that all of my runs begin with a long slow and somewhat painful climb. This morning it was particularly painful. My legs were sore from running 8 out of the last 9 days. But it was a beautiful misty fall morning and, despite the pain, I had a good run and it wasn't because I went fast or felt light on my feet – it was a good run simply because I was running.

As I posted before, it's been tough getting motivated in the past few months. Ironman Louisville left me with little both physically and emotionally and the Disney World Triathlon took what was left. I had no desire to run, swim or bike. A couple weeks ago I realized that my fitness level was decreasing and my waste size was increasing. But it was my mental state that finally got me back on track.

I'm not the same person if I'm not running or exercising on a regular basis. I worry more – I'm more easily stressed. I can't sleep very well at night. I'm irritable. But worse, I don't feel like myself. I'm a runner (and part time triathlete) and I've been one for most of my life. It's a part of me.

I can't say that I suddenly sprung from the couch and started running with a new passion or that it was some sudden realization. I didn't and it wasn't. Actually, I went out the door 9 days ago without feeling much desire to run at all. But I felt it was my responsibility to do it – as a father, husband, boss and worker. I'm just not as good at any of these occupations if I don't get out and run.

So my promise to myself was simple; string together 4 or 5 days (no matter how uncomfortable) of running and then see how I felt. I struggled through a week of running, but during it I rediscovered a little of my passion for running. Now, after nearly two weeks, I'm building on it – enjoying it a little more each day and fearful of stopping and going backwards. I feel like I'm on my way back to enjoying running again (cycling and swimming hopefully to follow).