it happened : jog ==> run

I've been real slow about getting into running. I had some calf-strain issues, so I've had to rely on walking/hiking/biking to get any real aerobic exercise. Most of my runs have included plenty of walking to make sure I didn't re-injure myself. And even when I ran, I always said to myself "I'm not really running, I'm just jogging". There's no official distinction, of course, just arbitrary personal opinions. But for me, the big change happened last night : I ran.

I did 6 miles in 59:59.8 , so technically it was "faster than" 10 min/mile. I covered the whole distance with no walking. But the real thrill is how it *felt*. It was awesome : smooth, efficient, graceful, loose, challenging, pain-free. And I actually discovered a few adjustments to my form that made a huge difference in my efficiency.

Six miles was a new distance for me, and although it was supposed to be a "slow run", my comfortable pace kept picking up as the run progressed so it was a record pace as well. Because of that I was super careful about warmdown and recovery. I walked, stretched, ate a bunch of protein, took ibuprofen, did my first-ever ice bath (Aieee!), and then napped with my legs elevated. Wow ! I don't know which step was most important, but my legs feel awesome today ! Depleted, but not taxed if that makes any sense.

It's kind of funny how much can change in one day. Whenever I showed up at a running event, I always thought of all the other people (the runners) as "those people". Now it feels like a line has been crossed : I'm one of *them*.