Just like an interception in the red zone or a half court shot that goes in at the buzzer, sometimes a little spark is enough to get you rolling again. I’ve come to find that those same unexpected sparks are just as important in running.

I’ve found over the years that it’s the unexpected things in life that are most inspirational. God painted sunrises, chance encounters with other runners or even spontaneous route changes. While they never seem to happen enough, they do seem to come when you need them the most. Still in my running haze, I’ve needed multiple sparks to keep my fire burning. You hear about race depression and burnout but until you struggle thru it, you can’t quite get a grip on it. No matter what people say or do, you have to do it yourself.

One of these moments came Sunday morning. Nothing spectacular by any means but it’s just what the doctor ordered. Feeling good during a 5-miler, I pushed myself a little harder than I should have this early in training. Not feeling 100% in quite some time, I need to take advantage of these moments every time they make an appearance (carpe diem). Hitting the halfway point quicker than normal, I worked on a quicker stride rate on the way back. After a strong showing on “the Hill Home” I turned in my quickest time for that route.

While nothing that will make anybody stand up and take notice, it’s exactly what I needed at this stage in the game. An affirmation that thru all the injuries and self doubt, that there is still a spark and a desire deep inside dying to be let free.

Now the only question that remains is will I let it?

RMFR