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Running with Luke

I remember a run with Luke (my dog) not so long ago. It was on one of the rare days where it actually rained in San Diego. However, it was the beginning of a rain. We were running down a sleep slope, on a trail. We were out of the trees, and into an open area, with several switchbacks. The sun was shining, and the sky was a dark blue, holding the storm which would arrive shortly. Luke was ahead of me. He is a striking dog, a blond mix with a combination of lab retriever, greyhound and shephard. He is tall, lean and strong. When he is running (his very favorite time of the day) his tail is up and happy. He sort of bounds. Maybe it is just me, but he is probably the most beautiful dog I have ever seen. (OK, I guess it is me, but it's true).

Anyway, it started to rain. Not just a sprinkle, but a strong rain. And the sun remained during this. There he is, just in front of me, with the rain falling and his beautiful strong body bounding along. And it struck me how really incredible this moment was. The dark blues of the sky, the bright sun, the brilliant rain as it sparkled and fell. And Luke, joyfully bounding down the hill.

We are asked sometimes why we run. This story about running with Luke is the reason why I run. And because of that first long run in Des Moines, when I experienced the exhiliration of escape. And because it is how I experience new cities when I travel. Nearly every day I come up with another reason why I run. Some are just more dramatic than others.

Past forum articles

Race horror story
History of women running