Today was a very important day in Maine, Modern Philosophers.
June 5 will go down as the day that I officially switched over to shorts for my morning run. This is a huge step that those of you who are from away cannot fully appreciate.
You see, when I finally break down and put the long running pants in storage, it means that I have accepted that it will not snow again and warm weather has arrived.
I’m like Maine’s sweaty, more athletic version of Punxsutawney Phil.
Yes, it has been warm prior to today, but you must remember that I rise at an ungodly hour to get in my run before work. Most mornings, the sun isn’t awake yet, and it’s often raining or just damn chilly.
I slept in this morning, though, and when I finally did roll out of bed, the sun was shining and it was obviously going to be a scorcher.
So I made an executive decision.
It was time to bless the good people of Maine, and any lucky tourists in the area (I do not discriminate) with a view of my runner’s legs.
Just two days after finally revealing my full face to people at my grocery store, I set my long legs free.
And it felt good.
Even with the cool breeze coming in off the river, it was was still hot and humid.
But I pushed myself to stay out and run longer than planned.
How could I not when I saw all the smiling faces of the people I crossed paths with along the river walk? They were clearly impressed with my legs, and I could not deny them the opportunity to see them again on the return lap.
Plus, since it was a beautiful, first shorts run Saturday, there were way more people out for a walk than usual. It wouldn’t have been fair to deny the late risers the chance to check out my legs as well.
Like I said earlier, I do not discriminate.
So the only thing short about this morning’s run were the shorts I was wearing. I generated a great deal of sweat, burned a ton of calories, and most importantly, really raised spirits in the neighborhood.
This was one of those mornings that reminded me I have to keep running because not only is it good for me, but it’s also beneficial for those around me.
Keep running!
great! freedom!
It really does feel good here in Syracuse to enter the short months where the only times my pants will be long will be the hours I spend at the job, Austin, as much as I can help it. Good for you making the big switch in Maine!
It’s been sweltering here all week!