Running is a strange activity. I haven't run more than 1.5 miles since October. I've stayed somewhat active with hiking and running around work since then, but I'm obviously not in the shape I was in at the end of Oct before I fell off the proverbial (running) wagon.

So tonight, I have my first 3 mile run of the new program. I'm fully anticipating it to suck, especially since I drank quite a lot of IPA last night, and it did. The first two miles were brutal... my left calf was killing me and I had a very slight stitch in my side. Then, as if by magic, at two miles all my troubles go away. I hit my stride, my calf felt fine, and I was feeling just fine. I even started to enjoy the run. How is it, after 4 months of being mostly sedentary, that I can run a couple of 1.5 milers and not like them at all, then go run 3 miles and feel fine by the end? Running is a strange activity.

PS I hope that explains why I gave this run just an "alright" rating. For most of the run I felt like crap. It was only the last 1/3rd that I felt good about. So I feel like that doesn't merit a "good" rating. Maybe next time.