The Long Run Love Effect

​Recently, a friend completed his first 100km race and shared that during the event, he was in a tough spot and could only push through with the words of encouragement from his wife. 
I am sure this has happened to all of us, whether we hear these words from our spouses, kids, friends, supporters, or coaches, in real life or as passing thoughts.
If it never happened to you, maybe you have not pushed hard enough yet!

As for me, during very long runs, it feels as though my heart opens up. It may be due to the fatigue, the effort, the isolation, the place I am running, the different sense of perspective, or simply the removal of layers of complexity when all I try to do is take the next step and keep moving forward.

During these runs, I am often overwhelmed to the point of crying, by a sense of deep love and connection for my wife Lidia and my kids, close family members and friends, as well as great sadness from memories of my mom during her cancer. I run on the edge of those two extremes, as if I am on the ridge of a mountain.

And that's okay; I even look forward to these intimate moments. 
It's an opportunity to explore emotions that I don't often let surface. 
It's liberating and empowering.