I’ve been running since 1999 and have probably missed less than 15 days on average during most of those years. Four years had no misses, in 2023, I missed five. Every so often, someone comes out with a book or an amazing article that tries to answer the question about why we run. I teach running classes twice a year and often use some of my own thoughts in the hope that the participants will be inspired to keep going.

But the perspective deepens when for some reason we can’t run. A few days that come with sickness and or an injury have a short-term light at the end of the tunnel. In my case, I have missed running for five months and one week so far while desperately waiting to resume my favorite activity. I actually dreamed about running one night and it seemed so free and easy. I woke up and remembered the dream, wondering if I could recapture the magic.

My day needs running. My accident happened on May 15. I walked .17 miles on June 1 and gradually was able to increase those walks to a level that guarantees some level of fitness. Still nothing beats an early morning run for me. Here is why.

For me, running is more than a mere choice. It’s even beyond my control, almost like some sort of good addiction. My best times and occasional race wins were years ago, so I am long past running for trophies. Still an occasional morning run would make me remember some of the long-ago speed.

Knowing that I could get up and go out for an early morning run has always made me happy. In the early morning, I am away from the crowds with only the sounds of my feet and enhanced awareness of all things around me. Once the sweating starts, the brain seems to reach a higher level and solutions to many problems seem so easy. So I run, for my own mental therapy and escape. Or I run without concerns and enjoy putting my thoughts into a positive project. Most days, I am ready to take on the world at the end of a good 5- to 6-mile run. My confidence is often at its highest point of the day.

I love being around runners and running events, even when I hadn’t been able to run for these months. Many of my best friends came from running, either from competing with them or from just friendly coaching or training runs. Helping out with school meets is a great way to watch the new entrants into local running and racing. It’s hard for me to meet a running event I don’t like.

But the biggest reason that I want to be able to keep running is that I don’t want to find out what will happen if I have to quit. The low pulse rate and the narrow waist along with all the other health benefits are just a side effect. I learned long ago that the only regrets in my daily life are those mornings that I don’t get up and run. Cold rain or a short night due to an early or late commitment isn’t good enough to negate all the prior benefits I’ve listed.

Each run tops off my life with energy and optimism. And the cool down walk at the end is the best prayer time on the planet for me. And finally, as I know now, not everyone is able to do this.

Sunday afternoon has the Spooky Sprint 5K and Fun Run at 2 p.m. at Catawba College, this year on a new and faster course, and the costume contest following is open to every participant. The Rowan Rotary continues their hot streak on spectacular weather.

Look for this and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org