I'm sitting outside waiting to check out of my 6th residence in the last 8 years. I've lived in Colorado Springs for 8 years and love it here, however, I've done a little bit of moving within this area including a stint in Manitou.

I guess I get restless or I'm afraid of commitment. Regardless of my numerous addresses, running and I have had a consistent relationship over the last 7 years.

Whenever life gets hectic, running is there for me. After moving and unpacking over the last few days I've neglected my workouts. I was starting to get irritable. I decided to pay a visit to the Incline Club speed session.

It was lightly sprinkling as I got out of my car at Memorial Park. My inner-wuss tried to talk me out of running Barr and running on a treadmill. The thought of running on the "dread" mill made me cringe. My love-affair with trail running prevailed and I proceeded to my date with intervals.

As I approached Hydro, where the Incline Club typically convenes, no one was there. I assumed they were on the Incline and opted instead to do the one minute on, one minute off suffer-fest.

The rain starts to come down and I smile. Only a "crazy " runner would be smiling while running uphill in the rain. The run was a metaphor for how running has always been there for me-rain, snow, or sunshine. No matter how chaotic life gets, no matter where I am , all I have to do is lace up my shoes and get outside .

Being childless, 35, and single, I rather enjoy the freedom of being able to run wherever and whenever I want. My profession provides me with the summers off as well which is a bonus. I always feel better after a run and I can get away from my problems for awhile.

Perhaps I will live out of my vehicle and travel to places unknown within the contiguous states as I originally planned...next summer. For now , I will continue showing up for my long-standing date with the trail no matter where I am.