I ran today. It was a pretty flat, very slow run. But it was a run.

I was bit by a dog a couple weeks ago and beyond Round and Round, I haven’t exercised since. The doctor was not pleased about Round and Round, so it was fortunate that I did that before I visited her. Hey, the ER didn’t try to stop me…

But once I did see my normal provider, it was more antibiotics and a strict no on the exercise. While I now do consider myself a runner, it’s never going to be something I enjoy. Mountain biking I enjoy, running I do because it feels good when I’m done.

I discovered during this 10 day moratorium, I really need the exercise. It’s been hard to not have that outlet. It wasn’t the physical aspect that I missed, but the mental focus—or lack of focus. When I go for a run, I am not thinking. I’m just doing. Enjoying the moment, or at least pretending to enjoy it.

Today, I ran 5 miles. They were slow, sometimes painful, sweaty, lonely miles. I relished it. And when I got home again, it felt good. Now, I just have to get the fitness back; you lose a lot in 10 days.