The Starting Gate

I love running and decided it must be the closest thing to experiencing what a horse feels when they are released from the starting gate. All day they know the race is coming and then they make it to the starting gate only to be released into the unknown of the race. This is how I feel. Whether my run is first thing in the morning or after all the children are in bed, I know its coming and I live for it. Then I hit the open road not knowing what the run has in store for me. Sometimes the run is hard, and for some reason my body does not cooperate. Most days my runs are amazing. I am running from time, hoping to beat the clock if only by a second. Sometimes a run is so absolutely amazing I cannot hide the smile from my face as I climb hills. I have been thinking about the horse analogy a lot lately. Especially since I'll Have Another was the first hopeful in 34 years of winning the triple crown only to have it stolen from him due to a swollen tendon. I have always had a love for horses and I can only imagine how sad this horse is having to retire from the racing circuit for the time. I hope he is able to recover and make it back to the winners circle. For now, I dedicate my running to him.