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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Addicted... to Running

Miracles DO happen.

Yesterday I was able to run! For the first time in two weeks!!!

Shin splints have stopped me, and boy did I miss it. And I didn't realize how much until yesterday.

You see, I had a day from H-E-Double-Hell yesterday. The last two hours of work felt like I was being repeatedly rammed with a forklift. And the entire time I just kept on repeating to myself, "You can go home and run. Just make it through this and you can just go and R-U-N." I had forgotten about my shin splints and immediately reverted to the most stress relieving, happiest thing I could do (by myself... There are certain "marriage activities" that can be even better, but I digress).*

Well I made it home in one piece, and scowled at the clouds and gloomy weather and cold wind. And after I walked in the door... my dears, stuff hit the fan. It wasn't pretty. I may have had some angry tears spilling from my frustrated eyes. (And believe it or not, it wasn't all my husband's fault!) So when I had finally thrown on my running clothes, bundled up and found some gloves, I was out the door like a shot.

Even though it had been two weeks I was so angry I managed to run my first mile in decent time (compared to my time, which is the only time that matters). But what surprised me wasn't that my anger melted away as I pushed my feet against the cold pavement. Or that breathing in that crisp air filled my soul with serenity. The surprising thing was that once I started running this feeling of comforting familiarity settled over me. Much like finally getting to curl up on the sofa and have a nice long chat with your best friend. That feeling of, "This is where I belong. This is where my soul flourishes and my body finds peace."

And that is when it hit me: I am a runner.

I've always thought I was just a wanna-be runner. I have only ever done more than 3.5 miles once (and I thought I was going to die). It is only in the past two months that I have been truly consistent (until the shin splints...). And yet, my mind more than my body craves running. I almost feel addicted. Something in me is satisfied and at peace once I can run. And if I go too long without running I start to feel mentally itchy, and running is the only way to scratch.

God gave me an incredible gift while I was calming mind and sou and pushing my body. It had been cold and cloudy and rainy all day. It was a real gloom fest. Until my run. And then the early evening sun bathed the clouds and leaves in a warm, golden light that blessed this time of change. Everything became instantly more beautiful. As the light hit my face I felt like Autumn herself was giving me a loving caress.

This was the tale end of the light. You should have seen the golden
glory that splashed the world in wonder!

What I want to do is encourage all you "wanna-be's". I used to hate running. Sometimes, in the midst of pushing myself past my comfort zone, I still do. But you can reach a place of addiction too. (You know, rarely is there at time when one can say that and not mean something incredibly unhealthy...) And if running isn't what you want, then I think you should find something that is just for you. I don't run for anyone else. I run for me. I run to healthy in body and mind. I run so I don't have to take anti-depressants. What do you do for you?


(Linking up with It's Almost Friday Thursday Blog HopBlack Tag DiariesFirst Day Of My LifeKate Says StuffPretty Little Inspirations Blog Hop, Friends to Followers, Link and Mingle, Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop, Follow Me Wednesday, Pretty Little Inspirations and Lovely Little Whimsy.)

16 comments:

  1. I have heard from many how addictive running is and it amazes me. For me finding the time is hard. I can barely find time in the day to get other things done so running is almost impossible. I do admire your love for it though and really enjoyed reading your post.
    I am following you now and would love for you to follow back.
    http://puzzlemecomplete.blogspot.com/2012/10/tidbits-of-halloween.html

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    1. Finding the time is soooooo hard! But I am always glad that I do. I'm so glad you found me!

      Thank you for stopping by. Your blog is adorable!

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  2. i cold never become addicted, so major props to you!!

    Have a wonderful evening! Drop by thechiffondiary.com & say hi!

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  3. I completely agree with what you say in this post! I used to hate running when I was a kid, but I discovered how much of a stress-reliever it is in high school and I've kept it up ever since! It definitely takes that little spark of motivation but once you do it you feel so great! And haha "marriage activities" ;) Found your blog through the Pretty Little Inspirations blog hop and it's great! I'm following you now, feel free to stop by my blog and say hello!

    x Ellie @ Ellalogy 

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    1. I loved your Coffee Talk post. That picture of the cat in the coffee (I know that sounds really weird) was so cute! I'm so glad we found each other and can be blog friends now :)

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  4. I think that the hardest step to take, is that first step out the door. But I am always so grateful when I take it :)

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  5. That's so great you realized you are a runner and you found something healthy that helps you deal with your stress! Way to go! For me, my love is taking/developing pictures and scrapbooking them. Not as active as running but the high is the same :)
    It's great you can find an activity that's just for you 'cause we can't always spend time with our man (as much as we want to) so it's nice you're able to find a hobby you love!

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  6. YAY for running! I haven't started yet, but once my basic fitness (which at the moment is not great!) improves I think I want to do it, maybe even as a hobby! :)
    Dropping by from the blog hop. :)

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    1. You know what is awesome about running? You can ease into it. If you have ever checked out a Couch to 5K program (I have an app on my iphone for it!) you can see that you can start from being basically sedentary to running in like 8-12 weeks. And it doesn't matter how fast you are running. That's the best part. Let me know how you feel once you start running :) It is such an awesome experience.

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    2. Thanks! I might have to get that app for my phone too!

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  7. BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS! :)
    I'd be addicted just for sunsets like that :D
    Thanks for linking up <3

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  8. I wish I was a 'runner'...instead I am a comfort eater, which is not as helpful as running :s

    Thanks for joining up with the Almost Friday Thursday Blog Hop. We would love to have you back again this week :)

    Samara
    www.thesecretlifeofsamara.com

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  9. I wish I loved running! Just found your blog from the blog hop and we are your newest follower. We would love if you would check out our blog!

    http://mybest-friendsblog.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! I love your blog, I'm glad we could find each other :)

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