Running

I used to say that you'd never see me running unless someone with a very large, very threatening object was chasing me and I honestly meant that. I wouldn't run unless my life depended on it and I suppose now that maybe that's why I've taken up running. Actually I'd say jogging is the correct term but whatever you call it, I'm definitely not walking.

My life doesn't literally depend on running, of course. But my health does and therefore I'd say that my life does depend on it. It depends on me moving and exercising. I think, also, that I've found that perhaps my sanity depends on it also.

When I was in middle and high school I remember running around the school track and my friends and I were always the girls that walked the whole way unless our overweight coach would make us run.If that was the case we'd run for as long as the coach would be watching us and then we'd revert right back to walking at a snail's pace. I never thought of running as exercise that I needed. I always thought it was something that was just a pain in the ass. Something I had to do to pass a class. I'm sure my health classes taught me otherwise but I obviously didn't want anything to do with it.

Times have a-changed.

I was running yesterday and I got lost in the motions of running. When I focus on the people around me or the act of actually moving my feet, one by one, I get mentally distracted by the whole thing. It's takes too much effort to pay attention to the details. But if I just put my mind on a soft focus and let  the thoughts come and go and listen to the music coming from the headphones I can get lost in running. I ran two miles yesterday without even realizing it. I wasn't going particularly fast (4.8 mph) and I wasn't going on hills or anything but it was just what I needed to think about things that have been on my mind lately. I didn't come to any grand conclusions or make any grand plans but I got a moment to really let my brain go on and on all while my feet were going on and on.

I can't believe I never did this before. I can't believe I was so prejudiced about something I'd never even given a chance. I run because I actually really like it. I like the feeling of "Wow! My body can do this and it's not going to die!". I feel so proud of my feet and legs and my heart and lungs and all my parts when I'm done running. They supported me and didn't fail me and I am ridiculously proud of that.

I'm going running tonight and I really can't wait to tie up the laces on my new running shoes, to pull my hair from my face, to turn up the speed on the treadmill and to just lose myself in the motions. It's my 'me' time and I'm so, so happy I found that thing that makes me happy.

Comments

[Jennie]

I love this post! I'm doing a 5K on Mother's Day if you'll be in town. Not sure when you're leaving for England.

[Kristie]

Id LOVE to! Im not leaving till May 25.

[Jess]

I am so glad that you're one of those people who likes running. I hope to also become one of those people some day.

[sensibly sassy]

It is so cool to witness the transformation, great job!

[A'Dell]

Two things:

1) I didn't learn how to run until I was about 25. Nobody ever told me you don't have to sprint the whole time. Seriously, I thought that's what "running" meant. Run as fast as you freaking can!

2) I didn't get a working sports bra until I was about 25 as well. In fact, I DID NOT KNOW THEY EXISTED for girls like me. That is, I thought that there was something wrong with ME. It never occurred to me that this freaking hurts because my bra is wrong.

And now? I rather like running. I don't go often, but once I kick my butt in gear and actually take that first step, it's nice.

Can you believe I used to run 10ks? I know. ME.

[barbetti]

I still don't know how to run, but your post totally inspired me. I'm honestly terrified of running, as I am SO uncoordinated. I'm happy for you!