Ever feel as free as a bird and not want to stop running? This doesn’t happen often and I’m so frequently strapped to my chaotic schedule that it can’t happen even if I am in fact feeling “free”. However, on Wednesday night, I just didn’t want to stop. I run with a group on WEDs, ended up a bit ahead and just didn’t stop at our normal spot. I was hoping everyone would go on home and not worry about me but of course, as I finally returned to my car, there they were awaiting my return. Ugh! I felt bad. I felt guilty. I’m sorry! In the future, please, don’t wait for me!
I’m a very random runner. I like to run fast. I like to run slow. I like to walk. I like to talk. I like to run far. I like to run short. I really, just like to run. Therefore, I am a wildcard so don’t wait for me.
I’ve been putting in a lot of treadmill miles this winter due to our frenzied family schedules. Therefore, when I actually get to hit the pavement and the wind isn’t trying to destroy me, I just want to run. Run free. Run for as long as I am able. So please, don’t wait for me.
I run a lot of solo miles. Actually most of my miles are solo. I run in the daylight. I run in the dark. I run country roads. I run city streets. I run trails. I run paths. I run the beach when I am able. So the thought of someone waiting for me is almost unimaginable because I spend so much time running alone. So let’s agree that in the future….. you don’t need to feel obligated to wait for me. I appreciate your concern. I appreciate your caring. I appreciate you. However, I don’t want to feel guilty. I don’t want to feel rushed. For once I want to feel free as if somebody isn’t actually ….. waiting on me. So please, don’t wait for me.
Have you ever ran a little extra and had a person, or two, awaiting your return? Super nice but makes you feel bad, right? 😦
** The Random Runner ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **
TooTallFritz 
If it were after dark and winter and cold…be happy they waited. They just want to know you are safe. Hopefully they waited in the comfort of their vehicles or inside some store. And good idea to advise someone when you opt to go out farther and solo. I think you carry your cell…so just call someone in the gang that headed back and tell them not to wait.
Yes, it’s awesome to run outdoors. I don’t like having time pressures when I run, but they are inevitable most of the time.
That’s right up there with, what route are you running? When will you be back? I love the concern, really I do, but I just don’t know most days.
Great post. If Dr. Seuss were a runner…. 😉
Oh I can totally relate! I always tell my husband that I will be gone for longer than I actually plan to be gone, just incase I end up having one of those ‘run forever’ runs!
It’s nice that you have people watching out for you, even though you felt bad that they waited. 🙂
Great post and although I’ve never had the guilt of people having to wait around for me I have had the feeling of running free, if only a few times, and how wonderful they are. You deserve to enjoy the moments.
Think of it this way – you have a cheerleading section waiting for you. I am the slowest one of our group (by alot) and at first I felt guilty for them sticking around. Not anymore as there’s always a hot Starbucks or a cold Slurpee waiting for me at the end.