Writer's High

I've heard that sometimes runners will experience a brief euphoria called a "runner's high." I've run two marathons, three half marathons, dozens of 10Ks, and miles and miles of training runs, and I can't say for certain that I've ever come close to feelings of elation--except, of course, when I finished.

I have, however, experienced "writer's high."

When I've been working on an article or column and just the right word clicks into place, I get excited. When I come up with a clever twist of a phrase, I laugh, even though it's my own joke. When someone tells me they read my article, I'm pleased. When someone adds a clever comment that shows we really connected, I get a boost that can last for hours.

In college, I loved the day "The Tabor College View" hit the mailboxes. Students everywhere had the four-page newspaper in their hands and were reading the results of our late-night efforts. I took note of the ones who I could tell were on page 2, bottom right. They were reading my column! I floated through my classes.

One time a Christian band who performed on campus used one of my stories for a local angle to the point he was making. Ecstasy!

Blogs are wonderful because I can get comments in minutes. Throughout the day, I can check to see how many hits I've gotten. People are reading my stuff!

However, deadlines are wonderful, because they force you to actually sit down and get something written. Since my blog is simply for fun, I've gone further and further between posts.

I've run consistently for the past five years, and I've said many time that never would have happened if I hadn't had Kristen, my running partner. We've set up a schedule and adjusted it through the years. When my alarm goes off at 6 a.m., I get up, because I know she will soon be on her porch waiting for me (if it's a Monday or Tuesday), or she will show up on mine (Thursday). Neither one of us wants to be the one to text "I can't make it today."

However, I'm having to lay off for a while. On our first regular training run after the April 29 half-marathon, my hamstring tightened up, and it's been giving me trouble ever since.

So, right now while she is running, I am writing, exercising my fingers and brain instead of my heart and lungs. And searching for that elusive high.