Dude, Who Stole My Goddess?

As long as I’ve been running and despite my tireless tracking of time and distance in various running logs, there are some things about my running that remain a mystery.  Take this morning for example.

For the last two weeks I have reduced my mileage to help handle a knee issue I’ve been having (probably Iliotibial issues).  So when I went out for my usual 4 –mile maintenance this morning I fully anticipated a tough run.  Not only that, but after a late night at work, I got up late this morning and it was already hot – like 87 degrees hot – by the time I hit the road.

Surprise, surprise…I flew through my route.  I found my pace quickly and easily and hardly felt the heat at all.  Soon, my breath was steady and I was able to concentrate on my form, which also felt smooth and easy. 

I just don’t get it.

Is it the rest?  Or is it just the mystery of the mixture of physiology, phases of the moon, nutrition and mood?

Whatever it is, it’s beautiful and amazing.

What’s more, though I had TONS of work to do today, forcing myself out the door for a little “me time” was the best thing I ever could have done.  I worked out a knotty problem with a huge presentation I’m working on and I planned the rest of my week (for maximum efficiency).

I had some weird thoughts too.

I started thinking about Nike, the goddess of strength, speed and victory and how she was co-opted by a REALLY humungous, multi-national corporation that quite frankly, still seems to suffer from testosterone overload.  Something irritates me about this and while I’m running I have thoughts of “reclaiming Nike” for all the women warriors out there – whether they be corporate warriors, mommy warriors…or the most challenging of all…something in between.

According to Wikipedia, Nike personifies triumph…a divine charioteer.  Every woman runner is a warrior in her own way – it’s a triumph each time we step out the door; a true act of courage and triumph over our fears, our perceived limitations, our histories.  But there are more and more of us out there, summoning the courage every day.  It’s so awesome to be part of this community! 

In just a few days, the top ranked women runners will arrive in Beijing.  Some of them will triumph and wear a medal of Gold, Silver or Bronze with guess who’s head on it?   Our goddess graces the most prized honor any athlete can receive.  Go girl! 

It’s true that some of us drive our chariots slower than others.  And some of us could probably use an axle change.   But we all share Nike’s spirit.  Let the Games begin!

• Currently 3.0/5 Stars.