“If you gettin off track and you wanna get back
It may take a lot of work won’t break your back
If you wanna revolution the only solution
Evolve, gotta evolve”
~Evolve, Kevin Quinn
It is now February 20.
This is significant because now, I can tell you that I am running again without fearing the pressure of a New Year’s resolution and its ultimate demise.
Since law school, running and I have had an on and off again love hate relationship. This was most likely my fault because more often than not, I simply neglected it. Then on those warm spring mornings or cool fall nights when I would feel a pang of guilt and try to reunite, it would lash out like a scorned lover, leaving me scarred for days.
But no matter how much it hurt, I missed it. I just didn’t know how to win it back, quite frankly I didn’t think I had the time to win it back. So, instead of committing, I played the field.
Then over Christmas break, a friend texted me and asked how I felt about being part of a Flying Pig marathon relay team. There are 4 legs and each person runs anywhere from 5-7 miles each, totaling 26.2. At first I was hesitant since last time I trained to run 26.2 at the Flying Pig my plans were disastrously derailed, but then I thought, “this might be exactly what my relationship with running needs.” ”Yes,” I texted back. “Count me in.”
Over break, I knew that when I got back to school I wanted to make running a priority. Not only would it be a good time to start with a wedding coming up in the new year, but I missed being in shape. But like before, I was hesitant, not sure if I could keep my promise. This was just the push I needed.
The relationship is still young, but I think this time it’s going to stick. The difference…people to run with. Anyone who runs knows the hardest part of doing it is getting your shoes on and heading out the door. Or heading to the gym after a long day of class. The good news is that my teammates are law students as well, same busy schedule, same list of excuses, but this time, I’m not letting it get in the way. They’re not, so why should I. I love that after a busy day, instead of going home to bury myself in books, I run. And I can’t tell you what a difference it makes. I didn’t run because I didn’t think I had the time, but running has made me so much more productive. Who would’ve thought 
The other fun thing about this race is that 1) it will be my first run in Cincinnati, and 2) I’m going to actually try to race it. Since getting back into running, I’ve always trained to simply finish and run farther than I had before. But this time, instead of my goal being to just make it to the finish line, I want to really see what these legs of mine can do. I want to break my time goal, not a distance goal this time. And even that change of pace and change of focus is invigorating.
I’m starting slowly, building my base, and trying to follow my own advice when it comes to adding in cross training and yoga. And in the meantime, I am falling in love with running again. I love the point in your run when you suddenly fall into your stride, I love the refuge running brings, the time to think and even relax as your legs carry you. And this time, I love the camaraderie, pulling each other along for just a few more minutes than we thought we could go, and I love the change of pace.
I missed running and being in shape, but somehow forgot that the only way to change that is to just get out there. Instead of complaining that I didn’t have the time, I just had to make it. We make time for the things we really care about right? I’m so glad I made time for this, I’m so thankful for the friends to do it with, and the goal to beat.
Oh and for the new running playlist. It’s hard to beat a good running playlist. And Jay-Z. Can’t beat Jay-Z.
