There is something about running that is very hard to explain. I absolutely love it. It gives you something that you can’t get any other way. It is a totally freeing activity. I can’t understand why more people don’t run. Don’t they know how good it feels?

I run what is called middle distances. I like running 5 kilometre routes. I know my pace and that distance usually takes me about twenty minutes. I usually run alone but I really enjoy it when I can run with other people. The problem is that when I decide to go for a run, I just go. I don’t need to prepare for it. I don’t need to consult anyone. I just dress up and go.

Yesterday I was doing my warm-up stretches out front of my house and a few of the neighbourhood kids rode up to me on their bikes. I told them that I was going for a run and I told them how far I was going and how long it would take. They asked if they could come along too. I finally had some running partners. Sure they weren’t exactly running but it was nice to have them tag along.

I ran for about five minutes with the two kids following behind me on their bikes. One of them rode up right beside me and kept pace. She asked me if I was tired. I said, “Not yet,” and kept running. She was probably seven years old and her friend was about five. I was worried that they might not be able to keep pace with me but they did.

I enjoyed that run so much. I had to slow down a couple times and double back so I wouldn’t leave the younger boy too far behind. But at the end of our five kilometre route, I think they both enjoyed it as much as I did. It was really nice having those tag-alongs join me on my run.