Good Pain

This morning my knees fought back a little as I ascended the stairs to my office. As I write I feel the tightness in my quads and calf's. It's a good pain. It's not the pain of a torn muscle, ruptured ligament or broken bone; I know that pain. That's the pain of game-over. This is good pain. This is Advil & Ice pain. This is the pain that says good ride; hard run; well done now get out there and do it again.

I ran ten and a half miles yesterday and it's worth it; totally worth it!

Some will understand the concept of good pain, most will not. I've tried many times to explain good pain to my wife and she simply cannot comprehend how any pain can be good. She doesn't understand pushing your body until every fiber in your being is screaming at you to stop. There are many things about me that Michelle will never understand; endurance athletics or my need to continuously push the boundaries of my abilities.  

She will never understand. However, she accepts. Michelle supports my need to lace-up and head out into a cold rain for a long run. It makes no sense to her; none whatsoever, but she accepts that it's important to me. She even bought a high-visibility hat for me to wear while running. She may not understand the reasons I do the things I do - honestly, I can't say I totally understand it either - but that doesn't stop her from actively supporting me. Call it what you will; I call it love; unconditional, accepting love. 

I love that woman!