Stenches and Running

I realize the title may be misleading. This isn't about how bad I smell after a run (I smell awful). It's about the little aromas in the air that can bring us back to the best moments of our lives. Over the past week I've started to get back into my running routine. Something about seeing my sister run and compete at the college level inspires me to become a better runner. Kourtney ran a great race on Saturday although she wasn't particularly happy with her time (I think 18:36 for a 5k is pretty damn good). The following Sunday was one of those beautiful spring days where you had to just go outside and be active. I decided that this would be the day where I officially start my training for Beach to Beacon.
As I start running there is clearly some rust in my stride as I haven't actually run for a couple of weeks. As I make my way down Long Street on the Maine Campus I hear a motorcycle rev its engine and suddenly there is an aroma of gasoline in the air. Now, to some people this smell would cause them to run in the opposite direction, but for me the smell takes over my senses and brings me back to the good days of summer. That smell of gasoline is present and all of the camp kids are anxiously awaiting to go on another ridiculous tube ride with either my dad or Uncle Steve driving the boat. This is just one of the few things that makes camp so special.
As I continue my run, I make my way towards the trails in the woods. Despite the long layoff for me, I actually feel pretty good. I enter the trail and suddenly the smell of dirt roads fulfill my senses and I immediately think about the drives to camp. I love going by the big painted rock on Egypt Road which feels like we've been driving forever. Passing the public beach and seeing people laying out and playing makes me think of the times when Marc dressed up as a girl, or when we would film our great Muhammad and Clarence episodes. Going up the dirt road at camp would get me as excited as our dog Keanu. He could always sense where we were, and when we entered Haskell Ave. he would always make his way up to the front of the car with excitement. He and I shared that same excitement whenever we would go to camp.
I finished my run just a shade over an hour. The iPod gods were definitely with me as the final song of my run was the song used in the Rocky 4 training montage. It was a fitting way to end my run. But that run changed me. It made me realize that a simple aroma can help change my mood. I realize that may sound stupid to people, but those specific smells of gasoline and dirt roads brings back memories of the greatest times of my life at the place where we can all call home.