there are so many people in this world that claim to hate running. yet, they don't have a reason to, nor do they try it enough to know that they "hate it". i used to think the same thing. i learned that you can't know if you truly hate something without trying it multiple ways. so i signed up to run a half marathon with my mom.
the training was brutal.
i was out of shape.
i had shin splints.
the "necessary gear" cost a fortune.
we woke up early to run in: cold, wind, mists/sprinkles, heat...
there were so many things telling me to stop running, that it wasn't worth it. but i had made a commitment. (and paid a fair amount to run in the half marathon!) i got new shoes, fit to my feet, to solve my shin splint problems. i got into better shape with time, and effort. sure the clothes and shoes weren't cheap, but i still use them. they have more then covered what they are worth. as for waking up early, well that still stinks... but by the time everyone else is just waking up, i'm already done with my workout and ready to move on with the day.
running has taught me valuable lessons, not just with my pace and breathing, but in life as well. not only am i a much more skilled runner today than i was last year, but i have the endurance to conquer tasks i didn't have the patience for this time last year. running has become an escape, a passion. if nothing else, then just to spend time with my own thoughts, uninterrupted. it's time to sort out my problems, fix schedules, be alone with God.
the camaraderie while running is astounding. complete strangers become the friendliest people in passing. "good morning!" "good job!" "keep it up!"... subtle words of encouragement and kindness persuade others to keep going when they don't think they can go any further. it gives you hope to conquer the hill in front of you. you are invincible, the wind can't hold you back. you become an unstoppable force of nature. and there is honestly nothing else, that i have found, that can even compare with the rush you get from that run.
running is a sport. running is a hobby. running is an outlet. running is a passion.
running is a way of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment