Feeling good.

It didn't start off as a long run.

"I'll do four."

That was the plan. With no water in hand, getting in a good, speedy four miles would be sufficient for a morning run. Rising before the clock said 6 a.m., the air was thick but slightly cooler than warm. For this time of year, that was the best that could be expected.

The "four" route is an out and back, with the turn around at a stop sign in the midst of a very rural stretch. The elevation change is zero, but the road is less than flat-- one must decide between avoiding cars or avoiding knee pain. At that hour, there were few cars to avoid, though, so in the middle, I ran.

Stop sign. Feeling good. Keep going? Sure. I'll make it a "six" instead.

When I looked down at my Garmin, I saw the three tick by, indicating a good time to turn around. But I still felt good. And I had time. Time for me. Time for music. Time for thinking.

The next turn around point I've established before was 4.5 miles away from my front gate. Did I have it in me?

Even if my legs decided later that they didn't, my heart said go.

So I went. And around, I turned. When I looked down and saw the five tick by, my legs started to argue. Too soon since having #3. Not enough build. But the air was cool, I was alone, and I felt strong. This was for me.

A couple hills later. A stop at a water fountain. Nine miles completed.

For me. Not only because I can, but because I decided to do it. Decided to do something for me, to edify and uplift me.

I'm starting to recognize that I'm worth it.