The thing about running ...

That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.

- Kara Goucher, American long-distance runner (via Runner's World)

I had a very nice weekend with lots of fun times with good friends enjoyed, a ridiculous amount of delicious food consumed, an ample selection of spirits sampled, sufficient sleep had and (miraculously) zero hangovers suffered. But one of the things I enjoyed the most was finally being able to go outside for a run. Temperatures were in the 50s on Saturday without a single drop of rain, so off I went to Hudson River Park to enjoy the fresh air and lovely views. I'd forgotten how happy running outside makes me, having been relegated to the hamster wheel (a.k.a. treadmill) for the last few months. The simple act of running outside is enough to hammer home how lucky I am to be alive, healthy, happy and living in the city of my dreams. It brought a smile to my face when I read the quote from Kara Goucher above because I couldn't agree more. As thrilling as it is to finish a race, some of the most memorable runs I've had were done in solitude, accompanied only by a breathtaking sunset, some fireflies or cherry trees laden with blossoms. One of my favorite runs to date took place after I had just moved to the Financial District and went on an afternoon run on the West Side Highway all the way to Chelsea Piers and back. I chanced upon a truly stunning sunset that day and I remember being overwhelmed with everything that I had been blessed with, from the great new apartment to this one incredible view.

It's moments like these that keep me running.