You know why else I love these short runs? I've realized I've finally mastered the task of thinking about anything other than the run itself while I'm out there. Reading other people's blogs, I'm always jealous when they say running gives them time to let their minds wander. I've never found this happy place.

I used to walk quite a bit -- I actually lost all of my "freshman (and sophomore and junior and senior) 15" and then some after college by walking every night -- and when I'd walk, 60 minutes would go by in no time because I'd spend the entire walk thinking about who knows what. When I run, though, I focus on nothing but running. I try hard to divert my focus, but then my shins start hurting or I get hot, or something else inevitably happens that makes my mind concentrate on every step I'm taking.

On these short runs, though, I know it's going to be over soon. I know it's a minor part of my evening, and I let myself enjoy the time to myself. It's really helping me look forward to my nightly runs again, which is exactly why I made the decision to re-start my training program. I'm down for 2.5 tonight, so here's to hoping my euphoric runs continue.