This semester I have been fortunate enough to be introduced a great running trail that winds through some beautiful Tuscan hills just outside of Arezzo’s city wall.
And today during my morning run, I was reminded of why I enjoy it so much.. Why I peel myself out of bed and layer up to face the fresh, chilly wind when I could much more easily hit the snooze button and roll back over for another hour or two. It’s the feeling that once I get going, I don’t have to stop; that I can think about everything and nothing at the same time; that my body is strong and free and bursting with energy to be spent. There are few things that feel better to me than the sense of accomplishment I gain after fighting my way to the top of a particularly steep hill, even though I wanted to quit half way up. And then when it’s all said and done, and I am headed back home, I feel like there is really no other way I would rather start my day. For all of this, I am thankful to have my legs, my heart, and the sense to realize that even a short run is almost always better than an extra few minutes of shut eye in the mornings.
