Fed up with ordinaryExtra ordinary is where it's at

Since I started running, way back(!) in September 2009, every body who ran told me: “You’ll get addicted. Running’s great”.

I’d go on runs with Smack and when I would moan he’d always say things like, “Yeah, but it’s great to be out. Isn’t it?”. Every time I would respond along the lines of, “No, it isn’t. It’s hard work and I’m knackered!”

But this last week or so, something has changed. I think it’s because I’ve changed my routes to get in as many hills and as much off-road as possible. Even through the parks I’m looking for the hidden path away from the main route and I’ve taken to following off-road footpaths I’ve never seen before, just to see where they go.

The FiveFingers pay their part too. I’ve mentioned before that running on the road or pavements is fine but running on the grass or through the woods feels amazing. Coming from a trail back onto a hard path is like coming down off some drug induced high (I imagine, of course I have never taken any illegal drugs.)

I see pictures of woods or beautiful scenery and rather than thinking, “That looks nice, I wouldn’t mind going there”, I’m thinking “I’d love to run around there!”

The joy to be had in just running is bizarre. I can’t explain it at all. Why would just putting one foot in front of the other over and over and over and over be such good fun? I mean, I’m not even chasing a ball or anything!

It’s my rest day today but I’m itching to go out and find a new path to explore or just run through the muddiest, wettest bits of the woods I can find!

It’s taken nearly seven months but I think it’s happened.

My name is Kit. And I’m addicted to running.