Me and My Shadow

When training for a half marathon, weekends are synonymous with long runs of 10+ miles. I’m not going to lie...after a few miles the motivation wears off and I’m left looking for other sources of inspiration. Here’s my most recent discovery.

I have found the perfect running partner. We are exactly the same pace, I can still listen to my favorite tunes and I don’t have to hold a conversation while I’m huffing and puffing. And the best part is, whether it’s moonlight or sunlight, we’re always together.

So how is my shadow my ideal running partner? It takes a little imagination, but really, what else do you have to do mile after mile but run and think. So, when my shadow is in front of me, I challenge myself to step on it- kind of like shadowboxing, but it’s my feet that are punching the pavement. When my shadow is behind me, I race it, trying not to let it catch me. When it’s beside me, I run taller. When it’s at an angle out in front, it reminds me to check my form and stay light on my feet; and when it’s at an angle behind me, it reminds me to look over my shoulder and stay safe, alert and aware as I run. My shadow is happy to pull or push me up any size hill (you’d be surprised at the difference this can make!). And, in those instances when my shadow is no where to be found, I imagine it’s flying above me, floating me along.

My shadow celebrates with me when I triumph and walks closely with me when I don’t. My shadow might just be my new best running friend. So, if you’re needing a little extra motivation when you’re out there running (or walking), take a look around the ground...chances are, there is somebody very close cheering you on.