Pain + Recovery

I got to talking to a coworker the other day about running. She's quitting smoking and giving running a try. Her one question: When does it stop hurting so much? I didn't have an answer. In a way, running doesn't really hurt, or maybe I'm just used to the regular discomfort that comes with doing anything hard. It made me think because I've spent the last week sick with the flu, dealing with a body that had some evil toxin that was turning it inside and out. What's odd is I came down with it on Thursday, waking up with a very upset stomach. Naturally, after realizing I felt crappy and nauseous, I went running. My idea is the same: I've never felt worse after a run than before it. OK, this was possibly an exception. For the last week, I've been recovering. Tomorrow evening, I'm getting back into it. I miss it, even the painful parts.