running

Is. Seriously. Addictive.

This morning's 10km.

I have been running, off and on, for 20 years now. This is the best it has ever been. I remember reading in my late twenties that most athletes reach their peak endurance abilities around age 38; apparently after that is a good 10 year run of peak athletic endurance ability that declines at such a minimal pace I could easily still be running when I'm seventy (maybe with a new knee or two ;))

I finally understand the relationships between mechanics, nutrition and performance. I am finally (knock on wood here) injury free. I am finally one of those people who can effortlessly knock off a 15 km trail-run on the weekend. But, I keep asking myself, am I one of those "race-y" people? There is a local race coming up in March that combines a 25km trail run and a 30km MTB ride. The last time I raced MTB'ing was 15 years ago, but at least I've done it. I am confident enough in my skills to know that I could finish a 30km MTB ride and be nowhere near the back of the pack. But, the run terrifies me. Running is such a mental sport and relies so heavily on minutiae that can change from day to day and have great impact on performance. It's fun to be competitive with myself...not sure if I want to compete against others.

Found an inspiring essay here: Tennessee Williams - The Catastrophe of Success - I think it applies to anyone who has "made it" and is feeling that loss of awe with life that seems so prevalent in our society of excess.