Life is funny. Some days I get so absorbed into my work that the day feels as though it flashes by in an instant. Other days I swear I feel every second of every minute tick by so slowly on the surface of my skin that I can’t help but long for my moment to escape from my office, breaking free like a caged animal who has been locked up for far too long.
More often than not this year I have found myself feeling overworked, overwhelmed and in a constant state of irritation and agitation. Every day that I laced up my running shoes and ultimately found myself standing in a puddle of my own perspiration, I found myself again, like bumping into an old friend for the first time in ages.
Exercise, physical activity, movement, namely running is what brings me back to my
equilibrium. It keeps the fire inside me alive and crackling, the very same fire that ignites my creativity and desire to excel in my career. My running habit has equipped me with the ability to dig deep enough to be the best version of myself, the best daughter, wife, sister, friend, employee and citizen I could possibly dream of being. Many don’t understand this phenomenon, I don’t expect them too, all I ask is they respect my joy.
I don’t run to lose weight, or so I can fit into a certain clothing size, or so I can feel confident in this summer’s hottest bathing suit trend like all of the women’s health and beauty magazines claim are my every need and desire. Running is so much more than an exterior appearance. I run because I can, because I was blessed with strong legs, clear lungs and a healthy heart. I run because it would be an absolute crime to waste such a blessing by remaining sedentary. I lace up my Nikes because when my feet rhythmically take turns kissing the pavement on a run, I am living, dreaming, discovering, and on the most special of days, I swear I’ve taken flight.
Today and all the days remaining in my life, I hope to never lose sight of my fundamental reasons for running. I hope I always remember that no matter what struggle I am facing, that hope, joy, freedom and perspective are only a run away.
Why do you run?
Talk to em girl! That was fantastic, loved that post. I run for so many reasons but I think it could probably be summed up to be that I run because it’s a constant when everything around me is out of control. I run because it makes me feel strong, I run to escape, I run to grieve, I run with joy, or maybe I run to express emotions? To feel alive? All of the above. You are much better at putting words to it than me
I run to relieve my emotions!
I’m with you!
I love your perspective! You’re right on about everything. I don’t run for my pant size either. This is why I run: http://flyingfeetinfaith.blogspot.com/2012/07/issues-it-about-to-get-deep-yo.html?m=1
Running frees me to be the best me God created me to be
Running liberates me.
Such a wonderful post
You have such beautiful words. I absolutely love this post. I know every time I see you pop up in my reader that it is going to be such a treat to read. I run because it makes me feel alive. It is the one thing I do where I feel joy, pain, freedom, happiness and hurt. Thank you so much for sharing this with us
I have to tell you that I enjoy your blog so much that many times I read my entire google reader and save yours for last. It’s the last one I want on my mind.
I run because I love it. I always have. Nothing makes me happier than laces up my shoes and heading out for a run.
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I run because I always have. I ran so my daughter would see me as a role model, and she did and now she runs. I run because I feel like a little kid. It clears the cobwebs from my brain. It’s cheaper than a psychologist. It makes beer taste better. It feels good to sweat…..not perspire! I love owning T shirts from runs that are 35 years old, faded and some in shreds. I love wearing my hair in a braid, hanging out the back of my Texas A&M baseball cap. I love running by people who are just coming out to pick up their morning paper, in their bathrobes. I love the fog, the smell of pine trees in summer, chimney smoke in the fall, sparkling snow flakes and my solo footprints in the winter snow. Breathing hard running up steep hills. Being sore the next day from running really far. Thinking, thanking, praying and feeling gratitude that I have take advantage of working nerves, muscles, blood vessels and health….and not taking these gifts for granted.I run because I want to. I run because I can.