Learning to Run: UFC Style

I really wanted to run yesterday. But at noon a migraine hit, and when I rejoined the living world around 7pm even thinking about doing anything that might slightly jiggle my brain made me cringe. I was totally bummed out. But I resolved to make sure I definitely ran tonight, with extra enthusiasm for yesterday's failed run.

After a couple of errands and wandering around my house I donned my running clothes (the outfits are totally part of the fun) and hit the trail. It felt good, and I hit a groove pretty quickly. About twenty minutes into the run I hit the part of the trail that splits off three ways. We always go one way, but I was curious about a second way. So I turned to the right and jogged up to explore.

The trail went on for a bit but then tapered down into a much smaller walking path, and eventually disintegrated all together. New route fail. But at least I know where that way goes now.

I made my way back home through a couple of neighborhoods and then back onto the main drag. It's definitely August now, and the heat and humidity had me fully in their smothering grasp. I stopped running about five minutes from my house, opting to walk the rest of the way and recover. As soon as I stopped running I felt my shoulders slouch, my head fall forward, and my steps start to drag. I looked like the run had defeated me, and that wasn't going to fly.

Through my extensive (as well as totally academic and very very serious) watching of the UFC Ultimate Fighter series I've learned that unless you've been K0'd or TKO'd, you never leave the ring with your head down. If you're leaving the decision up to the judges you want to give them evidence through to the end that you're the stronger competitor.

With this on my mind on my walk back tonight, I straightened my shoulders, lifted my head, and walked with a purpose. I owned that run. No contest. And I'm going to walk home strong to prove it.