1st blog, subject-running

Today was a very good day for a run. It seems that some of the best runs I have are on the days when I feel the least motivated to "hit the road." What I like to call the Discipline Of The Routine helps me on the odd days where there is no motivation. In a way this helps clear the mind of any plans on how the run will progress for the day, and the run is simply done by feel.
The double loop at Ledges State Park was done with relative ease today. It took the first couple miles to find my groove, but once i did the run was nearly effortless. One of the things I enjoy most about running is my ability to get into a rhythm . Getting locked into a pace that feels like it can be sustained comfortably is a joy. It's like finding a cruise control for running.
After more than a year and a half of serious running, there is definately some reaping of the rewards for hard work. What seemed like a serious effort for a run last year is this year's steady pace. My endurance and speed have improved dramatically. I've put in so much work that I can set goals when it comes to running, and actually expect myself to achieve them.
Why is running so important to me? I guess it's importance is in what I let it represent for me.
Running represents discipline and committment. Last year, a running buddy of mine suggested I train with him for an Ultramarathon. Now, he must have seen something in me that said "he's got it" because this isn't something that would have happened on it's own. Once we got into the training, there was the realization that it would be a lot of work to get in shape just to finish, and upon realizing that, I committed myself fully to the task. It was logical really, as how is it possible to do something (run 50 miles) that will likely take all that you have when you're not fully committed?
Discipline (and planning) are the follow-up to a committment. You have to establish a plan and steps to achieving your goal. What is really required of you to achieve something may not truly be known until you are well on your way towards the goal, but as the "blueprint" becomes more clear it's easier to focus. This is where the routine(discipline) comes in. Having a tangible task to accomplish feeds me. For example, my usual runs for the week include a 5 miler and 7 miler on Monday/Wenesday, around 20 on Friday, and 5-10 on Sunday. On the days where I dont "have it" I still go out and run. Maybe the run wont be as fast, or not as enjoyable, but it still is done. I've decided that this is part of my identity(ultramarathon runner) and to not do what it takes to achieve my goals is letting myself down. You dont get a day off in life, so why would I let myself slack on something where a huge investment of time and energy as been made?
A perfect running day like I had today is the reward for such a committment!