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 Thank you for hanging out with me! From day to day you never know what life will throw at you. And it will often be this way in my blog as well :) But lest RUN WILD and LIVE FREE in this amazing adventure together!

Running is a Journey

7/24/2016

2 Comments

 
I meant to sit down earlier this week and do a blog post but the week got away from me!
 
Many people have asked me over the past three years how I got started in running. The first answer is because I show German Shorthaired Pointers. One day I was at a show and was winded showing my one male. He is a big fast mover. So I decided something HAD to change as I did not like feeing so out of shape. So I started the C25K program (Couch to 5K). Growing up and through my whole life I have always hated running. Heck I will be honest, I still hate it many times while I am out doing it! Running doesn’t come easily for me. But I ran my first 5K race in August 2013 and was hooked. That excitement of crossing the finish line is so rewarding! It is one of those things that you can’t even put into words.
 
Over the last 3 years I have ran several 5K races, two Warrior Dash races, a handful of 10Ks and 2 Half Marathons. I no longer run because I don’t want to be out of breath showing my German Shorthaired Pointers. Through this 3 year journey (so far!) I have changed to being a person who runs because I CAN! So many people cannot run for one reason or another. But I CAN! My mom had lung cancer when I first started to run as well. I remember when I was breathing so hard doing my runs and races at that time that I would often look at my lung cancer awareness bracelet that I wore and just think about how she is fighting such a huge battle with chemo and radiation and I never hear her complain. She is a person who is an avid biker and swimmer along with loves to walk her dogs. But during her lung cancer battle these were things that were very hard or not possible to do. So as I would run and be out of breath I would be so thankful for the ability to run. I would wish I could give my ability to run and be active to her in those moments so she could also continue to do the things she loved. By the power of prayer and God’s amazing hand in our lives my mom is cancer free now and is back to doing those things she loves! Many times now when my legs are screaming from being tired I also think of my mother in law who battles MS type symptoms (though she does not have MS) and often uses a cane or wheelchair to get around, how she probably wishes many days that she could do what I am doing or even walk with more stability. I am thankful for the pain because of my ability to run.
 
Another reason I run is it make me feel strong. I have been able to push my body way beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of being able to do in training for my two half marathons. I am no fast, and I do a lot of run/walk through those longer miles. But I have learned that it is not the speed you run but the fact that you are out there doing it. Pushing yourself past limits you never through possible. Learning to love the person you are and the body you have. Realizing that we all have stories and inner struggles we are dealing with. It is so rewarding seeing so many other runners out on a race course and wondering what their story is. What their struggle is and why they are out there.
 
Running is also a great time for me to just let go. To not “think” all the time and to just be. Be in the moment, in my surroundings, in God’s creation and marveling in the little things. I once read something about how much “stuff” people miss driving places. That when you run, walk or bike you really see so much more and such little details. This has really proven to be true. Amazing water views with the sun over head in our home town in Michigan. Bald eagles both in the fall and young ones not even colored out yet in the spring. Families being active together on the local roads and trails I run. People fishing, snakes slithering on the side of the road, fox crossing the trail in front of you. Counting with my son how many squirrels we see (our record is 20 in 2 miles by the way). These are all such little things that would go un noticed if I didn’t run! I have really fallen in love with where I live through running. Yes there are also times I hate it LOL.

I do not have a runners body. But with the AIH that I have running has helped me to love the body I have. Love the changes that take place because of the medications. Even though I ache a lot when I first get up and moving I am so proud of the fact that I still get out there and I run. I put one foot in front of the other and push myself to the limits. What confidence running has given me.
 
So in other words my answer to the question of why do I run is not a short one! It is complex, it is long and it is personal. But the journey that running has taken me on is one I wouldn’t trade for the world! And I can now show my dogs without feeling winded! Goal 1 accomplished! I would highly encourage anyone, no matter your shape and size, no matter your physical or mental or personal hardships; get out there and move! I would encourage running but if you are not there yet, walk or bike. Take your time; don’t judge yourself on your pace or those around you. Take in your surroundings, explore bike trails and parks you have never been to and start to fall in love with yourself and the amazing wonders God has given us in nature and in our own amazing and detailed bodies! As always feel free to drop me a line or email if I can be of any help with this or other areas too!
 
I will leave you with a quote I love about running:
“Running….It’s about the sweat in your hair and the blisters on your feet. It’s the frozen spit on your chin and the nausea in your gut. It’s about throbbing calved and cramps at midnight that are strong enough to wake the dead. It’s about getting out the door and running when the rest of the world is only dreaming about having the passion that you need to live each and every day with. It’s about being on a lonely road and running like a champion even when there’s not a single soul in sigh to cheer you on. Running is all about having the desire to train and persevere until every fiber in your legs, mind and heart is turned to steel. And when you’ve finally forged hard enough, you will become the best running you can be. And that’s all you can ask for.”
 
My chosen verse for today: I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as the mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. Matthew 17:20

2 Comments
Barb Long
7/24/2016 04:14:53 pm

Love reading this ! You have tackled your AIH with so much courage and positivity. I sometimes see you struggle with your joint issues, but I never hear you complain. I love you!

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https://www.researchwritingkings.com/review-of-college-paper-org/ link
11/18/2019 05:01:05 am

Running is definitely a journey, or at least it is for me. I always go running during the morning, and it's the best part of my day. I spend three hours running, and I do not run on the same course ever. I spend a lot of time and effort whenever I run, so I am really confident that running is a journey. I want to go and help people be a lot more happy with running, because it is fun.

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