Greetings, Tribe!
A few weeks ago I was listening to a podcast and they were interviewing Frank Shorter. He discussed all of his running achievements and then went on to explain his current running life, stating that after accomplishing the tasks in his day he used running as his reward. This struck me as it articulates my feelings exactly.
This is the time of year when I end up working 9-11 hour days and then come home to work more (yay concert/recital season!). Luckily, my running shoes are always waiting for me. If I get all of my lessons taught, my performance programs created, my wedding music binders created for that week’s wedding, students’ parents emailed back regarding their need for schedule changes, summer music camp prep, dishes washed, floor vacuumed, if I get it all done (and am still standing), I get to run. These days it isn’t always long, but I get to run. Sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not fully caught up on work, but I often need the run more than work needs me. And other times, sleep needs me more than work or the run.
Yesterday I was lucky enough to run 9 miles. The sun was smiling down on me, the air cool. I had work waiting at home for me, but gosh darn it, I earned that run and I loved every minute of it!
In Search of My Running Tribe 