Wednesday, June 02, 2010

The Odyssey

The other night I had a dream. A fabulous dream. When I woke up, I felt happy and refreshed. What was this dream about?

Running.

It was all I did the entire duration of my dream and it wasn't from something scary. Instead, it was just one long run after another as I took in local scenery and running in places, I have never been. It felt so freeing. Sometimes, I was running while pregnant and other times I was back to my old self. No matter what I felt exhilarated. I cannot tell you how much I miss being out there. I look longing at other runners. When the weather is that perfect combination of sunny and just a bit cool outside I long for it even more. I am deeply jealous of H's freedom when he runs. Just like drinking it is another thing I cannot do right now.

I tried to keep running. It was my intention all along to keep it up throughout this pregnancy but despite my efforts, it did not work out. Each time I did it or any other exercise, I was sick for the rest of the day. I became run down (no pun intended) and it was pointless for me to keep trying when I had the kids, work and more to contend with on a daily basis. My running shoes, the Shredheads, dreams of races for this spring and summer all had to be packed away. It breaks my heart.

Then, last week while I was on a business trip, I happened to talk to a man who runs marathons. I asked him about a race that I have always wanted to be a part of but was just too scared to try. Having him explain it to me, he has run it twice, made it seem like a real possibility. Ever since that conversation, it is like a chant in my head.

Odyssey! ODYSSEY! AAah-DAH-SEEEE!!!!

I want it so bad I can picture it in my mind. I imagine myself on darkened roads with others running around me. I think of the training and I get excited all over again. It is my reward for making it through another pregnancy. It is my stress reliever for all those future sleepless nights. It is getting back into shape and conquering another goal I have set for myself. I cannot wait.

April. 2011. Odyssey! Gettysburg, PA to Washington, DC. A race through history. What could be more apropos for me?

7 comments:

  1. While I can't for the life of me understand why anyone runs for enjoyment..I have full faith that you'll meet your goal!

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  2. Good for you!

    I'm just trying to be able to run for more the 5 minutes.

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  3. Yay!! So excited for you about this goal. Training time will be here before you know it.

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  4. Jessica1:58 PM

    Great blog post today. I am pregnant and still running but I have recently had dreams about running faster...and not having to lug all this extra weight around. I've always looked at the Odyssey but been afraid of it (even as a marathon runner!). If you had a great group to run it with I bet it would be amazing.

    Also, on a side note, your post is so well timed. Did you know it's National Running Day?

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  5. for a completely different reason I have had my two year running hiatus and i have dreams just like yours, running smoothly and triumphantly. I've started to push through the knee pain and get back into it and I still hold my marathon goals (the best i ever did was a half). Hopefully 2011 will be a great running year for both of us-the race looks cool!

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  6. I have always wanted to be a running but alas it is not in the cards for me so I will be cheering you on as you prepare for this big goal.

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  7. So, did you register? I'd like to say that I'll run with you but since I never did my first 5K when my running partner bailed on me, it would be a lofty goal. I would consider volunteering for it though. It looks fun!

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