Glimpses

Let me start with a brief formality.

To those of you who have followed me over the past six months: Thank you. While my blog is no diamond in the rough, I sincerely hope that you, the reader, have taken something of value from it. In writing this blog my goals have been simple: reach out to others, share my journey, and inspire. That’s all.

The past six months have been an incredible journey, one that has been filled with experiences -both thrilling and terrifying- that I will never forget. Athletically, the momentum has continued to build. You have been able to watch me transition through various high-tech machines, ironically toward the simply low-tech act of ground running. At this point, I have reached my closest step in the long process back to the oval.

After running on an underwater treadmill for a month, I was given the clear to progress to a special treadmill made by the Alter G company. This treadmill, revolutionary in its engineered technology, has enabled me to come back quicker and more importantly, safer than I thought possible. Running on an “Anti-Gravity” treadmill, I’ve been able to meticulously control my environment, increasing my weight-bearing running sessions by 1% increments, allowing my body to realize the gains it has made.

The underwater treadmill, though enjoyable, didn’t give me the sensation of running. The chest-high water, slow movement, constant resistance, and altered gait combined to give me a workout that felt more artificial than intuitive. Despite this, it was a step that I was lucky to make…

I simply wanted to feel the real thing, unfiltered. Since I’ve started on what my coach calls “the bouncer” I’ve gotten short-lived tastes. Today’s run gave me a surreal glimpse, a reminder of what it feels like to be a runner in full-flight.

When the work has been done, running can be absolutely exhilarating, filling you with an excitement that lasts long after the run has concluded. During unstable times like these, such days are unexpected, and embraced without a seconds hesitation.

A mere, month ago, I could be found power-walking the hills of Eugene, making lemonade out of lemons. Though slightly embarrassing, I took my advice in stride, practicing a daily positive attitude.

It’s crazy to think that only three weeks ago, I was gingerly jogging on the Anti Gravity, stumbling through my 20:00 sessions with an uncomfortable gait thinking, ” I’ve got my work cut out for me.”

Despite my concerns, I persisted, encouraged by my coaches and my optimism.

On this day, I’m glad I did.

Today’s instruction from my coaches were simple: Warm up, and run 40 minutes at a steady yet tolerable pace.

I had expected this run to be like its predecessors; challenging yet slightly satisfying in the sense that I had made another deposit, another productive step toward that which matters most.

Four miles later, something happened.

By that point, I was movin’( metaphorically speaking), bouncing along without worry. After slowly warming up, I had reached cruising altitude, finding myself humming along at a springy 11.2 mph. Without any fore-warning, I felt a sudden rush, a wave of pure excitement that sent me into a brief tranced euphoria. Headphones in, techno blaring, sweat pouring, I savored the sudden feeling of effortless power.

This wasn’t your typical feel-good emotion. This was a forgotten thrill! In stationary motion, I smiled wide. With a refreshingly high heart rate, I felt alive!

I can remember, quite clearly, the feelings felt by a runner existing in the all-to-rare state of absolute fitness. So many things have to go right, so many sacrifices made, but to get there, and I mean really there, is a feeling of indescribable contentment.

As the beads of sweat wicked from my hot skin, I got goosebumps! I spent the last four miles in a trance-like state, picturing races that have been, could have been, and even some that have yet to come. I focused on the rapid breathing and quick turnover, letting the rhythmic steps- 170 per minute- hypnotize, removing from the confines of the bouncer, away from the artificial, to the warm spring-time air of track season.

Six hours later I sat, simmering within my post-run endorphins, reflecting on such a rare experience. I had a great run, but my comeback is far from complete. I have months to go until I’ll savor the sticky grip of spike on tartan track.  Despite today’s run, I remain level-headed, trying my hardest to never get too high or low. As I soldier on, I’ll face days that challenge me, days that discourage and compel me to gather my strength for the uncertainty that is tomorrow.

Bring it on.

 

-Jordan McNamara

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