Hooked on a Feeling

You guys, I took my shirt off during the run today! Holy shit! Like, it actually happened! The nipples were set free, and the wind brushed gently against my bare chest. I was beginning to think the day would never arrive. I mean, not really. I knew there would be nice weather runs eventually because, you know, climate.

In my decade of being in the sport of running, I’m honestly not sure I have ever endured a winter like the one we just crawled out of. I think we can all agree that Mother Nature can be an absolute party pooper. She showed up to our party, took all of the beer, broke a couple chairs, and ate all of our food in the pantry. Yet, we still find a way to put up with her. Call it whatever you want: grit, determination, stubbornness, stupidity, etc. We all approach adversity differently. At the end of the day, I don’t think it really matters how we put up with it, just as long as we do it. I was recently talking to a family member about the flooding that has wreaked havoc on our state. During the conversation, I told this person, “If there’s one thing I know about Nebraskans, it’s that we can endure.” We are all doing that every day in our training, jobs, family life, etc. You all inspire me to endure more and more every day.

We’re a few months into the newly formed LRC-Nebraska team. Hopefully by now, those who were skeptical about this becoming a reality have realized that it is truly what is best for running in Nebraska. There is a culture, an unwavering bond, and a feeling of hope. I feel it every time I toe the line next to my brothers and sisters. I feel it during road trips, when a van is packed with like-minded people and the stories become gradually inappropriate. I feel it on social media, when we lift each other up with positive vibes. This feeling has me hooked. It just feels so right, in so many ways. To suffer as a group, yet still finding ways to make light out of difficult situations, or finding humor during rough moments. It has been incredible to see how tight-knit this group has become in just a few short months, but it also makes me excited for the future. There is so much uncertainty in running, but that’s one of my favorite things about it. We don’t know how fast we will run, what races we could win, or what experiences we will get to share. But I would bet my life that we will all take running to heights it has never been in this state. (Jesus, did Nolan just bet his life? He’s weird). Sorry, I’m just so damn passionate about this stuff, get off my back!

Let’s all stay humble and hungry, and hopefully healthy! I’ll leave you with some lyrics from the ‘always reliable karaoke song’ Mr. Brightside by The Killers: “But it’s just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes”